BY Issah Olegor
President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the reconstruction of the La General Hospital in Accra is expected to be completed by November 2027, describing the timeline as achievable if current progress is sustained.
The President made the remarks during a site inspection of the long-delayed project, where he commended contractors and workers for the pace of work so far, while urging them to maintain momentum to meet the projected completion date.
The La General Hospital project has become a critical national concern following the demolition of the old facility in 2020 due to structural defects. The previous government therefore awarded contract for the project will work commencing subsequently.
However, the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme, DDEP, threw a spanner into the progress of work, delaying completion of the project.
Since then, residents of La and surrounding communities have faced significant challenges accessing healthcare, with nearby hospitals experiencing increased patient pressure and congestion.
President Mahama acknowledged the strain the closure has placed on the healthcare system in the capital, stressing that the timely completion of the new facility is essential to restoring healthcare access and easing the burden on neighbouring institutions.
As part of interim measures, the President revealed plans to repurpose the COVID-19 emergency treatment centre at Burma Camp into a permanent emergency response facility.
The move, he explained, is aimed at improving emergency care and reducing delays in treatment while the hospital project is being completed.
He also highlighted government’s broader healthcare agenda, pointing to the rollout of the Free Primary Healthcare initiative as part of efforts to shift focus toward preventive care and reduce long-term pressure on major hospitals.
Providing further background, the Health Minister explained that although redevelopment of the La General Hospital began in 2020, the project suffered significant setbacks due to funding challenges and delayed payments to contractors. Work, however, resumed fully in 2025 after financial bottlenecks were addressed.
When completed, the new La General Hospital is expected to serve more than 50,000 residents in La and surrounding communities, significantly enhancing healthcare delivery in Accra and contributing to the strengthening of the public health infrastructure.
