The Minority in Parliament has strongly opposed what it describes as an unjustifiable $85 million financial claim linked to the stalled Afari Military Hospital project, warning that any attempt to approve the payment could result in a significant loss to the state.
Addressing journalists on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, the Member of Parliament for Atwima Kwanwoma, Kofi Amankwa-Manu, argued that the amount being demanded by the contractor bears no relation to the project’s original cost structure and must be subjected to rigorous scrutiny.
“The $85 million is not only mathematically absurd; it is criminal,” he stated, expressing concern over what he believes are glaring inconsistencies in the project’s financial records.
The controversy follows government explanations that the contractor has refused to return to site until alleged arrears amounting to $85 million are settled. The claim emerged amid growing public concern over delays in operationalising the 500-bed Afari Military Hospital, a facility expected to significantly boost healthcare delivery in the Ashanti Region.
According to the Minority, the hospital’s long and troubled history highlights persistent financial and administrative challenges. The caucus contends that repeated delays, contract variations and project relocations have contributed to escalating costs over the years.
Amankwa-Manu traced the origins of the project to 2008, arguing that political decisions taken after changes in government disrupted implementation and opened the door for compensation claims by contractors.
He further noted that by the end of 2016, the hospital project had reached only 40 per cent completion, despite years of work and investment. The MP maintained that subsequent progress on the facility does not justify the current financial demands being presented.
The Minority insists that government should prioritise completing and commissioning the nearly finished hospital without agreeing to what it describes as inflated additional payments.
“We will fiercely resist this scheme. We demand value for money, and we will protect the public purse,” Amankwa-Manu said.
The caucus has therefore called for transparency in all financial dealings related to the project and urged authorities to ensure that public funds are not used to settle claims that cannot be properly justified.
