Minister for Health-designate Dr Bernard Okoe-Boye has attributed the delays in completing various health facilities, including the Tema General Hospital, to the renegotiation of the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) with external creditors.

The construction of the 400-bed Tema Regional Hospital began after a sod-cutting ceremony in 2020 by President Nana Akufo-Addo, to replace the existing Tema General Hospital, for €92.7 million.

During an inspection tour of the facility, Dr Okoe-Boye affirmed the government’s dedication to completing the project despite the setbacks caused by the debt renegotiation.

He emphasised, "But for the debt exchange programmes, all these are not fathomed or imaginary projects.

"These are projects that have been worked on in terms of contracting, facility arrangements and even works have begun on some of the sites."

Dr. Okoe-Boye highlighted the efforts of the Ministry of Finance in completing the debt exchange program to facilitate the disbursement of funds for projects like the Tema Regional Hospital to resume construction.

He reassured, "...We are going to work hard to make sure that we resolve these challenges."