Minority MPs Clash WithOver Access To Afari Military Hospital

A tense confrontation erupted at the Afari Military Hospital in the Ashanti Region on Wednesday after military personnel reportedly denied members of Parliament’s Minority Health Committee access to parts of the facility during an official inspection visit.

The lawmakers had visited the hospital to assess the progress of the long-delayed project as part of Parliament’s oversight responsibilities. However, soldiers stationed at the facility insisted that access to certain sections required prior authorization and prevented the MPs from proceeding when they could not produce the necessary clearance.

The disagreement led to a heated exchange between the two sides, attracting the attention of workers and visitors at the hospital.

The Minority MPs argued that their constitutional oversight mandate entitled them to inspect publicly funded projects without seeking additional approval. The military officers, however, maintained that security protocols governing military installations must be respected and strictly enforced.

Although the situation became tense, no injuries or arrests were recorded.

The standoff was eventually resolved, but the committee was unable to inspect the areas at the centre of the dispute before leaving the facility.

The incident has reignited public concerns about the future of the Afari Military Hospital project, which has faced prolonged delays despite being one of the region’s most significant healthcare infrastructure investments.

Residents and healthcare stakeholders have repeatedly expressed frustration over the slow pace of work and the delay in making the hospital fully operational. Many believe the latest confrontation raises fresh concerns about transparency and accountability surrounding the project.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Minority Health Committee nor the military authorities had issued an official statement on the incident.