Construction has begun on a 160-bed referral hospital near Damongo, Ghana, aimed at providing specialist care to Savannah Region residents. The hospital, located at Soalepe, a suburb of Damongo in the West Gonja Municipality, marks a significant milestone in the region's healthcare development. The project was initiated after a site handover ceremony where Yakubu Yussif Castro, the West Gonja Municipal Chief Executive, formally handed over the project to FRIDOUG Limited on behalf of the Savannah Regional Minister.
The 160-bed facility is expected to address the long-standing challenge of limited access to specialist medical care in the Savannah Region. For years, residents have had to travel long distances, often to Tamale or further south, to access advanced treatment. The new hospital will feature an Out-Patient Department, patient wards, laundry facilities, a recovery garden, staff accommodation, streetlights, and internal access roads. This comprehensive facility will enable the region to handle referral and specialist health services without routing patients to other regions.
The project is expected to be completed within two years, providing the Savannah Region with a dedicated referral centre. Kwame Darko reported on October 2, 2026, that the construction has officially started. Yakubu Yussif Castro emphasized the government's commitment to expanding health infrastructure and improving healthcare delivery across the region. He instructed the contractor to adhere to quality standards, meet the agreed timeframe, and prioritize hiring local labour.
FRIDOUG Limited, the contractor, has pledged to deliver quality work within the stipulated two years. The company's Managing Director, Frimpong Douglas, expressed gratitude to the government and the Assembly for entrusting them with the project. He assured that the firm would adhere to safety protocols and engage with local stakeholders throughout the construction process.
The Savannah Regional Hospital project is part of a broader effort to improve healthcare infrastructure in the north. Another project, a 120-bed trauma hospital, is planned for Bole. These initiatives come amid scrutiny of the government's hospital-building record, particularly regarding stalled Agenda 111 sites. The flagship programme aims to build at least one hospital in every district but has faced delays in several locations.
The new hospital will significantly reduce travel time and costs for patients needing advanced treatment. This is expected to improve outcomes for emergencies that currently require lengthy transfers. The project's impact will be substantial, providing residents with access to comprehensive medical care within their region.
The Ghana News Agency reported that construction is expected to be completed within two years from the start of work. However, no further timeline or disbursement details, such as project cost or funding source, were provided. The project's progress will be closely monitored, and its completion will mark a significant milestone in the region's healthcare development.
Key points
- Construction of the 160-bed Savannah Regional Hospital has begun, aiming to provide specialist care to residents.
- The hospital will feature comprehensive facilities, including an Out-Patient Department and patient wards.
- The project is expected to be completed within two years, improving healthcare delivery in the Savannah Region.
