Government of Ghana, Czech Republic commission Kpone Municipal Hospital

The Government of Ghana in collaboration with Czech Republic have officially commissioned the newly completed Kpone Municipal Hospital in the Greater Accra Region.

According to the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Mahama administration will continue to provide equitable and accessible healthcare delivery for all Ghanaians.

Speaking at a colourful ceremony in Kpone, the Health Minister described the commissioning as a “milestone achievement” in the collective efforts to improve health infrastructure and advance universal health coverage across the country.

“This facility is not just a hospital; it is a life-saving asset and a symbol of our unwavering commitment to ensuring quality healthcare for every Ghanaian, regardless of location or income status,” Akandoh said.

The Kpone Municipal Hospital forms part of a broader initiative launched under the John Mahama administration to build and operationalize twelve modern hospitals across various regions.

The €71.5 million project was financed through Erste Group Bank AG and Česká Spořitelna a.s., with an export credit guarantee of €8.6 million from EGAP, the Czech Republic’s Export Guarantee and Insurance Corporation.

Mr. Akandoh lauded the Government and people of the Czech Republic for their financial and technical support, and praised VAMED Health Projects CZ s.r.o., the construction firm behind the project, for delivering quality work.

He also acknowledged the chiefs and people of Kpone Katamanso for their cooperation throughout the construction process.

The twelve hospitals are located in Jumapo, Nkwatia, Kwabeng, Achiase, and Adukrom in the Eastern Region; Suame, Drobonso, Sabronum, Manso Nkwanta, and Twedie in the Ashanti Region; and Mim in the Ahafo Region.

The Health Minister confirmed that construction on all sites has been completed, with five facilities in the Eastern Region already handed over. The remaining hospitals in Ashanti and Ahafo will soon be operationalized.

“Our government is focused on completing and putting to use all health projects, regardless of which administration initiated them. We do not believe in abandoning or locking up completed facilities for political expediency,” Akandoh emphasized.

Highlighting the government’s policy direction, he announced the rollout of a Free Primary Healthcare initiative, aimed at removing financial barriers to basic health services.

“These interventions are part of our strategy to meet the Sustainable Development Goals and ensure that no Ghanaian is left behind in our healthcare delivery system,” the Minister added.

The newly commissioned Kpone Municipal Hospital is a modern 40-bed facility equipped with an Outpatient Department, Surgical Suite, Delivery Unit, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Laboratory, Pharmacy, X-ray Unit, and staff accommodation.

It also includes a Services Block, fitted with laundry, cold room, and stores, as well as a comprehensive training program for healthcare personnel.

Beyond health care delivery, the facility is expected to create jobs and stimulate economic activity in the Kpone Katamanso area.

Kwabena Mintah Akandoh concluded by expressing gratitude to development partners, project supervisors, healthcare workers, and all stakeholders for their roles in making the project a reality.

“We are building a healthier, stronger Ghana—one hospital at a time,” he declared.

On his part, Czech Republican President, Petr Pavel lauded the Ghana-Czech collaboration at Kpone Hospital commissioning.

He expressed strong optimism about the role the newly commissioned Kpone Municipal Hospital will play in transforming healthcare delivery in Ghana.

President Pavel described the facility as a vital foundation for healing and recovery, adding that it will “serve as a place where many will find relief and treatment for their ailments.”

He commended the Government of Ghana for its close collaboration in ensuring the successful completion and commissioning of the hospital, which was built with support from the Czech Government through funding from Erste Group Bank AG and Česká Spořitelna a.s., backed by an export credit guarantee from EGAP.

“I am proud of what we have achieved together. This hospital is a testament to what international cooperation can accomplish when guided by mutual respect and shared values,” President Pavel stated.

Addressing the hospital staff directly, the Czech President urged them to show compassion and empathy in their service delivery.

“Be kind, be caring, and be a beacon of hope for every patient who walks through these doors,” he encouraged.

President Pavel also expressed confidence in the hospital's management, trusting that they would maintain the facility in excellent condition to ensure its long-term benefit to the community.

Taking her turn, Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Akweley Ocloo thanked the Czech President for the kind gesture.

She was optimistic that the Mahama-led administration will ensure that the healthcare of the population are given the necessary priorities.

She hinted that President Mahama will ensure that Ghana achieves the 2030 UN sustainable goals on Universal Health Coverage.

The Greater Accra Regional Minister added that the John Mahama administration will reset Ghana's health sector.

Dr. Jemima Quertey-Mensah, Director of the Kpone Municipal Hospital noted that while the hospital currently has a staff strength of 200, persistent water supply issues continue to hinder smooth operations.

"We are experiencing serious challenges with water at the hospital. However, in collaboration with our Maintenance Unit, we have implemented measures to ensure that the hospital remains in good shape despite these challenges," she said.

The hospital director also pointed to environmental health risks caused by a nearby landfill site.

"The bad landfill site close to the facility is affecting both staff and patients, leading to increased respiratory complications. This is a growing concern that requires urgent attention,” she stated.

Dr. Quertey-Mensah further lamented the poor road network leading to the hospital, which, she said, makes access difficult for patients in need of urgent care.

Despite these issues, she expressed profound gratitude to the Government of Ghana and the Czech Republic for the new facility.

“This hospital will serve as a critical avenue for providing quality healthcare to the sick and will go a long way in enhancing medical service delivery in the municipality,” she noted.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith