Former President John Dramani Mahama is placing healthcare equity at the heart of his campaign message, vowing to tackle long-standing regional disparities with the construction of a state-of-the-art hospital in the Oti Region—one of Ghana’s newest and most underserved regions.
During his tour of the Oti Region on Friday, July 23, Mahama sharply criticised the persistent lack of a regional hospital in the area, describing it as a glaring oversight in the national health infrastructure.
“It is unacceptable that in 2025, the Oti Region still has no regional hospital. This is not just a development gap—it is a matter of life and death,” Mahama stated, drawing cheers from residents gathered at the community engagement.
He emphasised that access to quality healthcare is not a privilege but a constitutional right that every Ghanaian must enjoy regardless of geographic location.
Mahama outlined his plan to correct the imbalance, disclosing that discussions have already begun with key stakeholders, including the Ghana Health Service and development partners. The proposed facility will not only bring medical services closer to the people but also serve as a critical referral centre for specialist and emergency care.
“We are designing this hospital to reduce the burden on major hospitals in Ho and Tamale. This isn’t just a building; it will be a lifeline for the people of Oti,” he said.
The initiative forms part of Mahama’s broader Universal Primary Healthcare Programme, which he says will bring a network of well-equipped health centres and clinics to the doorstep of every district in the region.
“This is about more than just infrastructure,” Mahama added. “It’s about creating a healthcare system that works for every Ghanaian—from the farmer in Nkwanta to the teacher in Krachi.”
The Oti Region, carved out of the Volta Region in 2019, has struggled with limited access to advanced medical care, forcing residents to travel long distances for treatment. The proposed regional hospital is expected to bridge that critical gap and lay the foundation for more equitable healthcare delivery.
As the 2024 elections draw closer, Mahama’s renewed focus on healthcare may resonate strongly in areas where systemic neglect has long hindered development—and where promises of meaningful reform are sorely needed.
