BY: Daniel Orlando | VoltaOnline
The Paramount Chief of the Gbi Traditional Area and President of the Gbi Traditional Council, Togbega Gabusu VII, has expressed grave concern over the Volta Regional Hospital in Hohoe, describing it as a “death trap” unworthy of its status as a referral facility.
Following an unannounced inspection with other traditional leaders, Togbega Gabusu said their findings confirmed long-standing complaints from residents. He lamented that dilapidated infrastructure and inadequate facilities were undermining healthcare delivery, and called for urgent intervention from government and stakeholders, including the Member of Parliament, the Municipal Chief Executive, the Regional Minister, and the Minister of Health.
The Paramount Chief emphasized the readiness of the Gbi Traditional Council and the people to support improvements, including providing land for a new hospital complex. He noted that modern infrastructure would enhance service delivery and attract medical specialists who are reluctant to accept postings under current conditions.
He further highlighted the hospital’s strategic importance, given its location along the Eastern Corridor Road, which makes it a critical referral centre for patients from the Volta, Oti, and Northern Regions. He observed that poor infrastructure had dampened staff morale, affecting service delivery, and urged authorities to prioritize both facility upgrades and staff motivation.
Confirming these concerns, Hospital Administrator Mr. Divine Aki disclosed that the facility faces severe infrastructure, equipment, and human resource constraints. Originally established as a municipal hospital, it was later upgraded to regional status without corresponding expansion.
Mr. Aki revealed that the hospital lacks a dedicated surgical ward and intensive care unit, forcing medical and surgical cases to be managed together. With only a four-bed theatre handling numerous daily cases and emergency referrals, including obstetrics and gynaecology, pressure on the facility remains high. Commissioned in 1952, the hospital urgently requires modernization, including accommodation for specialists. He appealed to government, corporate bodies, and individuals to support efforts to upgrade the ageing infrastructure.
Reacting to the concerns, the Member of Parliament for Hohoe, Thomas Worlanyo Tsekpo, said the situation had already been brought to the attention of the Health Minister, who is expected to lead a fact-finding visit to the facility. He assured that processes are underway to renovate the existing hospital while government also plans to construct a befitting regional hospital for the area.
