Photo of some residents of Sefwi-Wiawso in the Western North Region
Residents of Sefwi-Wiawso in the Western North Region have appealed to the government to ensure the newly approved Regional Hospital is sited at the regional capital Sefwi-Wiawso.
They argued that all regional hospitals were in their respective regional capitals, and that it would be appropriate for Wiawso to also host the Western North Region Hospital.
Addressing the media, Colonel (Rtd) Francis Kwaku Enin, a concerned citizen, on behalf of the residents, expressed deep gratitude to the government for approving such a vital health facility but raised concerns over reported attempts by some stakeholders to relocate the hospital to another area.
He emphasised that 200 acres of land had already been allocated to the government at Domeabra in 2022 by the traditional council, noting that cocoa farms within the enclave had been cleared, awaiting commencement of the project.
Col (Rtd) Enin said: “We strongly believe that siting the hospital in the capital will not only attract specialist medical professionals to the region but also create employment for our youth, boost economic activity and enhance the standard of living of the people.
“Relocating the facility away from the capital would disadvantage residents in Bibiani -Anhwiaso- Bekwai municipality who will be forced to travel to Kumasi for medical and emergency services, considering the distance to the new location of the hospital, and this is neither fair nor strategic.”
He, therefore, asked the government to ensure that the hospital was sited at a location where the facility would be accessible and beneficial to the entire population in the region.
Some farmers whose lands were allocated for the hospital at Domeabra told the Ghana News Agency that the lands should be used for the purpose for which they were taken away from them.
They warned of consequences if the over 200 acres of land taken away from them were not used for the intended purpose.