Tension at Afari Military Hospital as soldiers block Minority MPs’ inspection of abandoned facility

The Minority MPs on Parliament's Health Committee are calling for the immediate operationalisation of the over 500-bed Afari Military Hospital, citing concerns over its abandonment and deterioration due to neglect and overgrowth.

A confrontation has erupted at the Afari Military Hospital in the Atwima Nwabiagya District of the Ashanti Region, following an unauthorised entry by minority MPs and residents on the Health Committee, which was met with resistance from soldiers stationed at the facility.

Led by Ranking Member Nana Ayew Afriyie, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament had visited the facility to assess the condition of the long-abandoned over 500-bed capacity hospital project, which has been left unused for years.

Following a brief inspection, during which the lawmakers expressed concern about the deteriorating state of the facility, the MPs and residents were stopped by military personnel guarding the hospital, resulting in a heated exchange between both parties.

The Minority MPs are currently touring parts of the Ashanti Region to demand the urgent operationalisation of abandoned health infrastructure, particularly in light of the industrial action by doctors at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, which has raised concerns about access to healthcare services.

The soldiers, however, took the position that the MPs should have obtained prior clearance before entering the facility, which triggered further resistance from the lawmakers, who saw the visit as a necessary emergency oversight exercise.

The MPs stressed that public officials must be held accountable, emphasizing that when institutions fail to act, representatives of the people must intervene to draw attention to the situation.

Following the confrontation, Ranking Member Nana Ayew Afriyie stated that while the incident was unfortunate, the visit was necessary to highlight the abandoned state of critical health infrastructure.

"Nobody says these things are right, but it is necessary to put pressure on the government. It is a tool for demonstration, a tool to express your feeling," he said.

He further emphasized the need for equitable development across regions, stressing that the Ashanti Region must not be left behind in national infrastructure delivery. "Just as other regions matter, Ashanti also matters," he added.

The incident has sparked renewed debate over security protocols at state facilities and growing concerns about abandoned health projects across the country.