Deputy Defence Minister Yaw Brogya Genfi says access to the Afari Military Hospital site in the Ashanti Region is restricted and requires prior authorisation from the appropriate authorities, following a confrontation between military personnel and opposition lawmakers at the facility.
Military personnel on Wednesday (10 June) blocked members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority on Parliament’s Health Committee from entering the site, where they had planned to hold a press conference and tour the nearly completed project.
The team, led by Effiduase/Asokore MP and Ranking Member on the Health Committee, reportedly expressed surprise when soldiers stationed at the facility prevented their entry, insisting that access to the premises was not permitted without clearance.
In a Facebook post following the incident, Genfi said the site is currently under the protection of the Ghana Armed Forces due to incidents of theft and ongoing works, stressing that all visitors must obtain appropriate authorisation before entry.
“Meanwhile, the project has been under the protection of the Ghana Armed Forces due to incidents of theft at the site. All persons are therefore encouraged to seek appropriate authorization before accessing the project site,” he wrote.
The Deputy Defence Minister’s comments come amid political tensions over the long-delayed 500-bed military hospital project, which the Minority says is near completion but remains non-operational despite years of construction.
The lawmakers had intended to draw attention to the status of the facility and press for its commissioning, while also criticising delays in bringing it into use.
Separately, reports indicated that the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipal Chief Executive had moved to dismiss a security officer linked to the handling of the Minority’s visit, though details remain unclear.
Genfi also said government has re-engaged the contractor and is reviewing arrangements aimed at completing the project, which has faced years of delays linked to funding disputes, abandoned works and logistical setbacks.
The Afari Military Hospital, initiated in 2014, remains one of Ghana’s most closely watched infrastructure projects, frequently featuring in political debates over public sector delays and accountability.
