Minority Questions $85 Million Afari Hospital Claim, Warns Against Additional Payments

The Minority in Parliament has raised concerns over an alleged $85 million financial claim associated with the stalled Afari Military Hospital project, describing the figure as excessive and warning against any attempt to approve further payments without proper scrutiny.

The concerns were raised following a visit by Minority members of Parliament’s Health Committee to the 500-bed Afari Military Hospital in the Ashanti Region on June 10, 2026. During the inspection, the MPs expressed disappointment over the facility’s continued inability to commence operations despite nearing completion.

The caucus argued that delays in commissioning the hospital are undermining efforts to improve healthcare delivery in the Ashanti Region and ease pressure on existing medical facilities.

Government officials have maintained that progress on the project has been affected by the contractor’s demand for the settlement of what it describes as outstanding arrears amounting to $85 million before returning fully to site.

Addressing journalists on June 16, Member of Parliament for Atwima Kwanwoma, Kofi Amankwa-Manu, questioned the legitimacy of the amount being claimed.

According to him, the figure cannot be justified based on the project's history and financial records, insisting that any attempt to approve such a payment would raise serious concerns about accountability and value for money.

The Minority further argued that the challenges surrounding the hospital reflect a broader pattern of delays, cost escalations and administrative decisions that have affected the project over the years.

Amankwa-Manu alleged that changes in the project's implementation and location contributed to setbacks and may have led to additional claims by contractors.

He stated that the project, which was initially awarded several years ago, experienced significant delays before substantial progress was eventually achieved, bringing the facility close to completion.

The Minority maintains that the government should focus on completing and operationalising the hospital rather than approving what it considers inflated financial demands.

The caucus also called for transparency regarding the project’s cost structure and warned that it would oppose any payment arrangement that does not demonstrate clear value for public funds.

According to the MPs, the priority should be the swift completion and commissioning of the facility to improve healthcare services for residents of the Ashanti Region and surrounding communities.

The Afari Military Hospital, once operational, is expected to enhance specialist healthcare delivery, reduce congestion at major hospitals and strengthen medical infrastructure in the middle belt of the country.