The Minority in Parliament have expressed frustration over delays in the completion of the 500-bed Afari Military Hospital, accusing the government of abandoning key health infrastructure projects despite significant public investment.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs raised concerns after an inspection visit to the facility, which they described as incomplete and deteriorating, as pressure mounts on health services across the country.

Led by Ranking Member Nana Ayew Afriyie, the lawmakers questioned what they said were widespread delays in infrastructure projects, claiming that a substantial portion of funding had already been disbursed.

He said the situation was unacceptable given persistent congestion in hospitals and challenges in access to healthcare.

“We are here for the people, in the interest of the people,” he told journalists during the visit.

Afriyie argued that government had previously pledged to prioritise the completion of ongoing infrastructure projects before initiating new ones, citing a commitment he attributed to President John Dramani Mahama.

He claimed that while new projects were being undertaken in other regions, existing facilities such as the Afari Military Hospital remained unfinished.

“What is important is that Ghanaians need healthcare,” he said. “It should be done everywhere.”

The MP also raised concerns about delays in payments to contractors, alleging that negotiations were ongoing over outstanding sums linked to the project, including discussions involving the Ministry of Defence.

He suggested that partial payments could allow contractors to return to site and complete key components of the hospital.

“At least pay him some $5 million and he will come to site,” he said.

Afriyie further questioned government spending priorities, arguing that relatively modest allocations could complete critical health facilities compared with larger national programmes.

He called for transparency on the status of payments and project execution, warning that delays were worsening pressure on teaching hospitals and limiting access to care for patients.