President Mahama and IGP Yohuno. INSET: Newly commissioned ward with two donated ambulances
PRESIDENT JOHN Dramani Mahama says Ghana is safer today than before due to major security interventions initiated under the current Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno.
Speaking at the commissioning of an 85-bed ward facility at the Police Hospital, President Mahama said since assuming office, he has received testimonies about how his government has prioritised internal security, making Ghana a destination for peaceful cohabitation.
“Our country is safer today than it was before. And I wish to repeat the testimony of a bus driver who said that before they were afraid to travel in the nights because of highway robbery. He says today, any time the bus is full, even at 2 a.m. they take off because the roads are safer. We also have a reduction in unresolved murders,” he stated.
He commended COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), for her fight against crime. “Indeed, this police administration is doing a yeoman’s job, and as Commander-in-Chief and President of the Republic, I want to express the gratitude of our nation to all of you, and urge you to keep up the good work.
“It’s no wonder everybody wants to visit Ghana because they say it’s the safest country in the whole of West Africa, and I can assure you that we’ll continue to provide you with the logistics that you need to continue to do your job,” he added.
President Mahama said the facility represents an important investment in the health and welfare of personnel. “This new block strengthens the Police Hospital’s capacity to meet those needs. It provides additional space for care and supports our efforts to improve treatment for officers injured in the line of duty,” he added.
President Mahama disclosed that he has requested the Minister of Finance to provide GH¢300 million in the 2027 budget to construct 250 new apartments for the police, to ease congestion in barracks.
“Last December, I handed over 50 armoured vehicles to the Ghana Police Service. I’m pleased to announce that a second batch of 40 armoured vehicles is expected in the coming weeks. We are also procuring additional body armour for officers on operational duties,” he said.
He announced the termination of a 22-year-old contract for the Police Hospital expansion due to disagreements and cost overruns. “Cabinet took a decision to terminate the contract. I’ve asked the Minister of Finance to provide approximately GH¢200 million in the 2027 budget to complete it before the end of next year,” he disclosed.
According to him, when completed, the expansion will add 106 beds, bringing total capacity to over 300 beds, with a 12-bed Intensive Care Unit, a new Accident and Emergency centre, 11 consulting rooms, four paediatric consulting rooms, modern MRI and CT scan equipment, three general surgical theatres, an orthopaedic theatre, an endoscopy unit, and a 222-capacity mortuary.
Interior Minister, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, commended government for its commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and the welfare of security personnel.
Speaking at the commissioning of the newly constructed ward, the minister said the facility is a testament to government’s determination to build resilient public institutions and provide quality healthcare.
He expressed gratitude on behalf of the Interior Ministry and the Ghana Police Service for government’s support in improving the welfare and working conditions of personnel.
IGP Christian Tetteh Yohuno said the new complex increases the hospital’s total bed capacity to over 200 and marks a significant milestone as the facility celebrates 50 years of operation.
According to him, the new ward complex features: a dedicated paediatric unit with separate male and female children’s wards, executive wards for serving and retired officers; ultra-modern equipment, diagnostic and monitoring devices; an elevator for safe movement of patients and equipment; an in-house pharmacy and laboratory, administrative offices, a 50-capacity car park and a welfare shop.
“The facility is expected to allow more specialised care to be provided on-site, reducing the need to transfer patients and cutting associated costs. The administration noted that the about 100-bed Tamale Police Hospital has been completed and equipped ahead of its operationalisation, with similar efforts underway for the Kumasi Police Hospital, in line with the national agenda to decentralise healthcare.
“The Police Administration has committed to ensuring the new complex is managed responsibly and maintained to the highest standard,” he said, stressing that its true value will be measured by the quality of healthcare provided to every patient.
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke