Goaso, April 24, 2025 –
The Medical Superintendent of the Goaso Municipal Hospital, Dr. James Ankamah, has made an urgent appeal for government and corporate support to address severe infrastructure decay, critical staffing shortages, and operational challenges threatening service delivery at the 128-bed facility.
Speaking during a monitoring visit by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health, Dr. Ankamah described the hospital’s deteriorating condition as “very dire,” noting that the aging blocks require constant, costly repairs with no major infrastructure upgrades in years.
Despite serving thousands of patients across nine wards, the hospital struggles to meet rising demands, especially in its antenatal care (ANC) unit.
“The space is small and cannot accommodate all patients if they come. We have competitors with better infrastructure,” he admitted, referencing nearby facilities like the St. Elizabeth Hospital.
Staffing Woes
Staffing remains a significant concern, Dr. Ankamah said, revealing that of the hospital’s 488 personnel, only three are specialists—a general surgeon, an ophthalmologist, and a dental surgeon.
The hospital lost 59 staff members in 2024 alone, including an obstetrician-gynecologist who left the country. Currently, 45 temporary workers fill crucial roles but remain in insecure employment.
“Accommodation costs in Goaso are equivalent to—if not higher than—Accra due to mining activities. Doctors and nurses struggle to find affordable housing,” he explained, calling on the government to construct staff quarters to ease the burden.
Progress Amid Challenges
Despite these difficulties, Dr. Ankamah highlighted notable achievements, including a 118% follow-up rate for ANC registrants and full coverage in distributing insecticide-treated nets to expectant mothers.
However, maternal mortality remains a concern, with three deaths recorded in 2023.
He appealed for the hospital’s upgrade to secondary-level status to align with the range of medical procedures already being carried out.
“We perform secondary-level surgeries like thyroidectomies but aren’t compensated accordingly. Upgrading us would unlock critical resources,” he said.
Additionally, Dr. Ankamah urged improvements to surrounding infrastructure, including the dusty, potholed roads that stain hospital corridors during rains and deter patients.
Parliamentary Support
Members of the Parliamentary Select Committee praised the hospital staff for their dedication amid frustrations and pledged that the hospital would not be neglected in future healthcare planning.
Committee team leader, Dr. Sebastian Sandaare, assured staff that under the proposed Mahama Care intervention, the government would consider upgrading the hospital’s status in recognition of its high-level service delivery.
Prof. Titus Beyuo, MP for Lambussie, sympathized with the hospital’s plight and encouraged hospital management to engage nearby mining companies for support through their corporate social responsibility initiatives.
He noted that the presence of the hospital benefits these companies directly and indirectly, making it in their interest to contribute to its development.
