Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has outlined key development priorities for the region, with a strong focus on improving healthcare infrastructure and completing stalled projects.
Speaking on Kessben TV’s Digest show, Dr. Amoakohene described his appointment as a privilege and expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for the opportunity to serve. He also thanked Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and the people of the Ashanti Region for their acceptance and support.
According to the minister, one of the region’s pressing priorities is expanding healthcare facilities to reduce the burden on Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, which currently serves as the main tertiary referral center in the region.
He noted that strategic investments are being directed at strengthening health services across all levels. Dr. Amoakohene cited the ongoing efforts to complete the Afari Military Hospital project, which was initiated during President Mahama’s administration in 2013 but remained unfinished after his first term.
He also highlighted existing challenges at the Sewua Hospital project, including construction setbacks, equipment installation, electricity supply, and road access. Once completed, the facility is expected to function as a regional hospital and significantly improve healthcare delivery in the Ashanti Region.
On tertiary healthcare expansion, the minister disclosed that GETFund has allocated GH¢400 million toward the completion of the KNUST Hospital, which is expected to operate as a quaternary healthcare facility.
Dr. Amoakohene further revealed that construction has begun on a cath lab at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital under the Mahama Care policy, a development he said would equip the hospital with essential specialized facilities.
Flipping at the secondary healthcare level, he explained that the government has operationalized three previously initiated projects—Drobonso, Suame, and Trede facilities—to improve access to district-level healthcare services.
Regarding the nationwide Agenda 111 initiative, the minister stated that Ashanti Region has 10 projects under the program. Two are nearing completion, while the remaining projects are at varying stages, ranging from foundation works to 20%, 30%, and 50% completion.
He added that the government is currently in talks with some mission hospitals to integrate them into public-private partnership arrangements to strengthen healthcare delivery.
Dr. Amoakohene stressed the importance of completing existing projects rather than initiating numerous new ones, saying sustainable development requires focus and efficient resource allocation.
“There is no need starting many projects when existing ones have not been completed,” he emphasized.
