La MP Assures Completion of Long-Delayed Hospital Redevelopment Within Two Years
La General Hospital redevelopment — once a symbol of frustration and abandonment for the people of La and its environs, is now expected to be completed within two years, well before 2028. This assurance was given by the Member of Parliament for La Dade-Kotopon, Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, during a site visit.
The MP, who also serves as Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, expressed renewed optimism over the project’s progress and shared updates regarding ongoing efforts to accelerate the construction of the new 164-bed modern healthcare facility.
La General Hospital redevelopment – Originally demolished in 2020 to make way for a state-of-the-art hospital, the La General Hospital redevelopment was meant to transform healthcare delivery in the La community. Instead, the site remained stagnant for several years due to administrative and financial setbacks, leaving residents with no choice but to seek medical care at other distant hospitals, such as Ridge Hospital and Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
This prolonged delay sparked criticism, community frustration, and political scrutiny. However, the narrative now appears to be shifting.
MP Breaks Silence on Delays
Addressing concerns during her on-site inspection, Hon. Odoley Sowah clarified some of the reasons behind the stalled progress, attributing it largely to bureaucratic bottlenecks and the slow pace of governmental transitions.
“When a new government comes in, there’s a need to look into the documents and agreements signed by the previous government before projects can continue,” she explained. According to her, this administrative hurdle significantly slowed down the momentum of the redevelopment initiative.
Despite these challenges, the MP emphasized her proactive efforts in pushing the project forward. She revealed that she has maintained consistent communication with the Minister of Health to ensure that progress is made and funding is secured.
Financial Clearance and Ministerial Commitment
A key milestone in the project’s revitalization came when the Health Minister informed her that all relevant certificates have been raised and are currently being processed at the Ministry of Finance.
“He has assured me that the certificates are at the Ministry of Finance and it’s being worked on,” Hon. Sowah said confidently. She added that part of the process involves thorough site assessments to verify the actual level of work done against reported figures.
The site currently stands at about 30% completion — a significant step forward, according to the MP, but one that requires sustained effort to meet the new timeline.
Firm Timeline for Completion
When asked directly for a clear completion date, Hon. Odoley Sowah did not hesitate.
“I believe in two years’ time, it should be completed. We’re currently around 30% done, and once the certificates are finalized and funding flows in, we can move at a much faster pace. So no, it won’t go to 2028 — believe you me,” she stated emphatically
This declaration marks a notable shift in tone and urgency compared to previous communications about the project, which were often vague and non-committal.
What to Expect from the New Hospital
Once completed, the new La General Hospital is expected to dramatically improve healthcare access in the Greater Accra Region. The upgraded facility will feature:
A five-storey Outpatient Department (OPD)
Modern inpatient wards
Maternity and neonatal units
A surgical complex with four operating theatres
A well-equipped accident and emergency department
These services are designed to reduce pressure on larger regional hospitals and bring critical care closer to the doorsteps of La residents.
Community Relief and Hope for the Future
For the thousands of residents who have been inconvenienced by the absence of the hospital, the promise of renewed healthcare access offers a glimmer of hope. Many have had to travel long distances for even the most basic medical attention, a reality that the MP acknowledges and hopes to eliminate.
“This hospital is not just a building. It’s a lifeline for the people of La. And that’s why I’ve taken it upon myself to push every button to get it done,” she remarked.
She further referenced the government’s broader health vision, stating, “We have a father who cares. That’s why we are coming up with Mahama Care, to ensure there is healthcare for all citizens of Ghana.”
This healthcare initiative, according to the MP, will form part of the government’s new social interventions and universal health coverage plans in the coming years.
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Conclusion: A Renewed Commitment to La’s Healthcare Future
The La General Hospital redevelopment has long been a symbol of broken promises, but with this renewed commitment and clearly stated timelines, the community has reason to believe the end is in sight.
If the MP’s timeline holds and funds are disbursed without further administrative hiccups, La will soon welcome a modern, fully functional health facility by 2027 — a development that would significantly improve lives and restore confidence in the country’s healthcare delivery system.
