The reconstruction of La General Hospital, which was supposed to improve the health care services in the area, has been delayed by the withdrawal of funding by the sponsors. The sponsors, who are not named, have suspended their support due to Ghana’s interaction with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Here are some of the main points:
Flood disaster: The reconstruction project was initiated after the hospital was demolished in July 2020 due to structural problems that posed a risk to the staff and patients. The hospital had been affected by the Akosombo Dam spillage, which flooded several communities and displaced thousands of people.
Government response: The government has been accused of neglecting the flood victims and the hospital project, which was supposed to be completed by December 2021. The government has not announced any alternative funding or resettlement plan for the affected people. The government has also not implemented the agreement it signed with the labor unions in January, which promised to address their issues.
MP’s outrage: The MP for La Dade-Kotopon, Rita Odoley Sowah, has expressed her dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the situation. She has questioned why the government has not provided any accommodation for the flood victims, who have been living in schools and other makeshift shelters for almost two months. She has also lamented the lack of commitment by the government to prevent future disasters in the area.
Minister’s address: The Minister of Energy, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has given an update on the situation, saying that the water level in the lake has reduced and the spillage has stopped. He also said that the government has provided some relief items and medical services to the flood victims. He assured that the government is working on a long-term solution to prevent future disasters.
The flood victims and the residents of La are still waiting for a permanent and sustainable solution to their plight, as they face the threat of diseases and food insecurity. They are also appealing for more support from the government and other stakeholders to rebuild their lives and livelihoods.
Source: GhanaWeb
