By Daniel Bampoe
The Member of Parliament for Suhum, Frank Asiedu Bekoe, popularly known as Protozoa, has called on the Ministry of Health to fast-track plans to expand and refurbish the emergency ward at the Suhum Government Hospital in the Eastern Region, following growing concerns over inadequate infrastructure and overcrowding at the facility.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, Mr. Asiedu Bekoe described the Suhum Government Hospital as a critical health facility serving not only residents of Suhum but also travelers along the busy Accra–Kumasi highway, which has become a hotspot for road traffic accidents.
“Between January 2025 and September 2025 alone, we have recorded 263 accident cases in Suhum. Many victims are rushed to the hospital, but due to congestion and limited facilities, treatment becomes a major challenge. I therefore urge the Minister to expedite the assessment and provide immediate support to the hospital,” he appealed.
In his response, the Minister for Health, Hon. Mintah Kwabena Ankandoh, acknowledged the urgent need for a well-equipped emergency ward at Suhum Government Hospital but clarified that the project was not captured in the 2025 fiscal year budget.
“The Ministry fully acknowledges the essential need for a well-functioning and adequately equipped emergency ward at Suhum Government Hospital. At present, the expansion and refurbishment of the emergency ward have not been captured under the 2025 fiscal year budget,” the Minister stated.
He, however, assured the House that a detailed assessment would be carried out soon to determine the scope of work required, paving the way for possible inclusion in the 2026 capital expenditure programme.
“We intend to undertake a detailed assessment of the facility. Based on the outcome, the project will be considered for inclusion in the capital expenditure programme in the near future. I assure the House that the Ministry will prioritize this intervention to strengthen emergency healthcare services for the people of Suhum and its surrounding communities,” the Minister added.
The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, who presided over the session, encouraged the Suhum MP to engage directly with the Health Minister to facilitate a collaborative approach.
“Sometimes, it’s better to handle these matters one-on-one with the Minister. Work with him closely so the issue can be addressed quickly,” the Deputy Speaker advised.
The plea from the Suhum MP comes amid growing reports of overcrowding and poor conditions at the Suhum Government Hospital, particularly in the children’s ward, where pregnant women and children are often treated on mattresses laid on the floor due to a lack of beds.
According to the Hospital Administrator, Samuel Ghartey Frempong, the children’s ward is overwhelmed by patient numbers.
