ASHAIMAN MUNICIPAL HEALTH OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE PUSHES FOR INCINERATOR, MORGUE AND MATERNITY UPGRADES
A 13-member Health Oversight Committee of the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly, chaired by the Hon. Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Freeman Tsekpo, held its Third Quarter meeting to review progress of key health infrastructures and service delivery throughout the Municipality.
The meeting, held on Friday, August 14, 2026, at the Office of the MCE brought together Assembly members, health directorate officials, and representatives of the Ashaiman Municipal Hospital and New Crystal Hospital to take stock of ongoing health interventions and outstanding facility needs.
Free Screening Exercise Reaches Over 3,000 Residents
New Crystal Hospital’s representative, Mr Gidel Fiavor, reported that its free health screening exercise has so far reached approximately 3,024 people across the Blakpatsona, Amui Dzor, and Tsinagbe Zonal Councils, offering hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and kidney screening. The hospital hopes to extend the exercise to all remaining zonal councils by the end of the year.
The Committee commended the initiative and discussed plans for New Crystal Hospital to formally present its work to the General Assembly, to boost public awareness and support.
Incinerator and Morgue Projects Gain Momentum
The persistent absence of a functional incinerator was flagged as a pressing concern, particularly with a GAVI audit approaching. The Committee was assured that the project has been captured in the proposed Budget, with a Bill of Quantities already received and being worked on.
On the long-standing morgue shortage, the Committee reaffirmed its resolve to deliver the facility through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, in full compliance with the Public Financial Management (PFM) Act and other legal requirements.
Maternity Block: A Flagship Project Facing Delays
Members expressed concern over congestion at the Maternity Block, citing two maternal deaths this year, inadequate beds and staff facilities. Although the Government flagship project is ongoing, contractor delays have stalled completion. A site inspection has been proposed to resolve bottlenecks and expedite progress.
Other Site Matters Addressed
The Committee also resolved to cordon off the hospital’s public toilet facility and open the pedestrian gate for public use, to curb misuse of the premises. On the nearby Police Barracks, the MCE favoured continued coexistence with the hospital over relocation, with further engagement to be held through the Municipal Security Committee (MUSEC).
Dialysis Centre, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Hostel and Sustainable Funding
The Committee directed that a piped oxygen system be incorporated into the Dialysis Centre’s ongoing works, while calling for renewed engagement with contractors on the delayed Community 22 Polyclinic Maternity Block.
Members also acknowledged the need for a dedicated Mothers’ Hostel to support families at the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), with the project earmarked for consideration once current health projects are completed, targeting 2027.
On sustainability, the Health Directorate flagged the decline in donor and government funding as a major challenge, and was tasked to develop a framework for Internally Generated Funds (IGF), while exploring partnerships with private hospitals, religious bodies, and corporate donors.
The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to close monitoring of all health projects, stressing that timely completion of the incinerator, morgue, and Maternity Block remains critical to improving healthcare delivery for residents of the Municipality.
ASHMA/ISD/MEDIA/14TH AUGUST 2026
