Kumasi:The Aboabedene Mother and Baby Unit at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi remains unfinished, with construction currently 70 percent complete. The project has been stalled due to non-payment to the contractor, as reported to Parliament's Select Committee on Health by consultant project manager Emmanuel Fobi Asabre.
According to Ghana Web, the project began in November 2019 but has faced significant delays due to two major suspensions. These interruptions have increased the project's overall costs, initially budgeted at GHS88.5 million. Structural issues identified in the original building design necessitated a redesign and demolition of the existing structure, which has contributed to the delays.
Asabre explained that the project, now re-scoped as a 509-bed hospital, includes a design-and-build contract that places responsibility on the contractor for design, construction, and equipping the facility. Construction had been moving forward, with structural construction approximately 60 percent complete, before work was halted due to payment issues.
The ongoing suspensions have led to concerns about the deterioration of materials procured for the project, some of which have already expired or are nearing the end of their shelf life. This situation affects warranties and increases the challenges faced by the project.
Dr. Patrick Boakye Yiadom, Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament's Select Committee on Health, expressed disappointment at the project's prolonged delay during a site visit. He emphasized the importance of the facility for maternal and child healthcare and called for a national commitment to completing public projects efficiently.
Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane, Chairman of Parliament's Select Committee on Health, highlighted the broader issue of stalled public infrastructure projects in Ghana. He stressed the need for responsible project financing, proper planning, and accountability to ensure successful completion of government projects.
The completion date for the Aboabedene Mother and Baby Unit remains unspecified, and unresolved payment obligations continue to hinder progress.