Accra: The Ghana Red Cross Society has announced plans to establish a 100-bed International Humanitarian Hospital to strengthen emergency response capacity. The initiative seeks to improve access to critical healthcare services for vulnerable populations across the country.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Andrew Donkor, President of the Ghana Red Cross Society, disclosed this during the commemoration of World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day in Accra, held under the theme: 'United in Humanity.' He explained that the hospital would serve as a national humanitarian asset, providing emergency and disaster response, epidemic preparedness, and accessible healthcare services, particularly for underserved communities.
Dr. Donkor highlighted the limitations of temporary solutions in times of crisis, citing incidents such as the Appiatse explosion, the Akosombo dam spillage, and outbreaks of cholera and Mpox. He noted that emergencies often overwhelm existing health facilities, delay access to specialized care, and widen the gap between community response and medical treatment.
The proposed hospital would operate as a national referral hub during mass casualty incidents and provide specialized care during public health emergencies. It would include isolation units for epidemic response and integrate into Ghana's national disease surveillance systems to enhance early detection and coordinated interventions.
Dr. Donkor emphasized that the hospital would be guided by humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, and neutrality, ensuring that no individual is denied care based on ability to pay. Additionally, the facility would function as a training and capacity-building center for health professionals and humanitarian responders, contributing to the development of skilled personnel in emergency medicine and disaster management.
He stated that the initiative aligns with Ghana's commitment to Universal Health Coverage and national disaster preparedness priorities. The project aims to strengthen the country's leadership in humanitarian response within the region.
Dr. Donkor called on the government, development partners, the private sector, and philanthropists to support the initiative. He stressed that this is not a Red Cross project alone but a national mission that will save lives, create jobs, and strengthen resilience.
The Society's commitment extends beyond reactive emergency response towards anticipatory action, resilience building, and long-term recovery interventions. Dr. Donkor underscored the importance of sustained investment and stronger partnerships in meeting growing humanitarian needs.