Kumasi Traditional Council to Inspect Delayed Afari and Sewua Hospitals Amid Growing Healthcare Concerns

The Kumasi Traditional Council is expected to embark on an inspection tour of the Afari Military Hospital and the Sewua Regional Hospital next week as concerns continue to mount over delays in bringing the two major health facilities into operation. The planned visit follows discussions at the Manhyia Palace on Thursday, where the Ashanti Regional […]

kumasi June 12, 2026 · 3 min read

The planned visit follows discussions at the Manhyia Palace on Thursday, where the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, briefed traditional leaders on the status of key healthcare projects across the region.

Originally scheduled for Friday, June 12, the inspection was postponed for one week at the request of the Regional Minister. According to Dr. Amoakohene, the additional time will allow contractors and project consultants to adequately prepare and provide detailed updates on the progress of work at both facilities.

The issue has attracted significant attention due to the persistent pressure on the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), which continues to serve as the main referral facility for the Ashanti Region and parts of northern Ghana. Health stakeholders have long argued that operationalising the Afari and Sewua hospitals would significantly ease congestion at KATH and improve healthcare delivery across the region.

The meeting at the Manhyia Palace was chaired by Nana Boakye Yam Ababio, the Nkwantakesehene, who represented the Asantehene. Traditional leaders expressed concern over the prolonged delays despite substantial investments made in both projects.

Providing an update on the Sewua Regional Hospital, Dr. Amoakohene indicated that efforts are ongoing to complete critical supporting infrastructure, including electricity, water supply and road access. He disclosed that a contractor responsible for constructing the access roads is expected to resume work on site in the coming days.

However, the situation at the Afari Military Hospital remains less certain. The Regional Minister explained that progress on the project has been affected by procurement-related challenges and administrative processes, making it difficult to provide a clear timeline for completion.

Beyond the two flagship projects, Dr. Amoakohene revealed that 15 primary healthcare facilities in the Ashanti Region have already been completed and commissioned. He added that an additional 48 hospitals currently under construction are expected to be completed before the end of 2026 as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure across the region.

The Minister also announced that renovation works under the Heal Komfo Anokye Project have been temporarily suspended. According to him, the decision was taken to ensure KATH maintains its patient-handling capacity while authorities work towards opening the Afari and Sewua hospitals.

The upcoming inspection by the Kumasi Traditional Council is expected to provide traditional leaders with first-hand information on the progress of the projects and help sustain public interest in the timely completion of the long-awaited health facilities.