The Ranking Member on the Health Select Committee of Parliament, Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has raised concerns over the delayed expansion of the Shama District Hospital.

He reminded President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo that the project, for which he broke ground four years ago, was still at ground zero.

Mr Akandoh, a Member of Parliament from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for Juaboso Constituency in the Western North Region, expressed disappointment that the intended health facility for the chiefs and people of Shama in the Western Region was yet to see progress. 

He noted that instead of the construction moving forward, the site had become a breeding ground for rodents and weeds.

"In March 2020, Parliament approved a loan of approximately 32 million euros for the expansion of the hospital to enhance healthcare services for the people," he noted.

"President Akufo-Addo, in August 2020, participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction, assuring the people that there was a dedicated fund for the completion of the project."

During an interview on The Citizen Show hosted by Kwabena Bobie Ansah on Accra 100.5 FM, Mr Akandoh expressed his dissatisfaction with the lack of progress on the project, stating that it is still at its initial stages.

He commended the chiefs and people for their resistance to the initial decision to demolish the entire hospital for the new one, citing a similar situation at the La General Hospital in the Greater Accra Region. 

Mr Akandoh praised the Shama community for standing resolute against the demolition of the hospital structure.

As the delay continues, Mr Akandoh urged the government to expedite the expansion project to fulfil the healthcare needs of the Shama District and its environs.