ACCRA — After 22 years of delays, the government is taking the Police Hospital expansion project into its own hands. President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Minister for Finance to set aside about GH¢200 million in the 2027 Budget to finish the job.

The President made the announcement on Tuesday, October 13, while commissioning a new 85-bed ward complex at the Police Hospital in Accra. He said Cabinet had terminated the contract for the expansion following long-running disagreements with the contractor and repeated cost overruns.

“Our contract has been going on for 22 years. We have finally brought it to an end,” Mahama said. The government now aims to complete the expansion and bring the new facilities into service before the end of 2027.

What the expansion will add

Once complete, the expansion will add 106 beds, lifting the hospital's total capacity to more than 300. According to reports, it will also include:

  • a 12-bed intensive care unit (ICU)
  • a new accident and emergency centre
  • 11 consulting rooms
  • four paediatric consulting rooms

A new ward, opened today

The newly commissioned facility, named the Christian Tetteh Yohuno Ward Complex after the Inspector-General of Police, already eases pressure on the hospital. The hospital's Medical Director, Commissioner of Police Dr Samuel Otu-Nyarko, said the 85 new beds bring its total capacity to 205.

The complex includes the hospital's first dedicated children's wards in five decades of operation, with separate units for boys and girls. It also has separate male and female surgical and medical wards, an in-house laboratory, a pharmacy, modern diagnostic equipment and an elevator for moving patients between floors.

The President also handed over two new ambulances to strengthen the hospital's emergency response.

Why it matters

The Police Hospital was set up about 50 years ago to serve police officers and their families. It now also treats the general public, especially in emergencies. IGP Yohuno said these growing responsibilities had stretched the hospital's facilities, making new investment essential. He added that the roughly 100-bed Tamale Police Hospital has been completed and equipped, extending police healthcare beyond Accra.

More support for the Police Service

The hospital funding was part of a wider package. According to GBC, the President also announced 40 armoured vehicles to boost police operations and GH¢300 million to build 250 housing units for police personnel.

Mahama praised the current police administration for improving public safety, citing fewer highway robberies and unresolved murders, and pledged continued logistical support.

What happens next

All eyes now turn to the 2027 Budget, where the GH¢200 million allocation is expected to appear. After more than two decades of waiting, the test will be whether the expanded Police Hospital opens its doors on schedule before the end of 2027.