A Member of Parliament (MP) for Anyaa-Sowutuom, Dickson Adomako Kissi, is facing criticism for his recent statement regarding the reconstruction of the La General Hospital, which was demolished by the government years ago and is yet to be rebuilt.
During a parliamentary session on November 14, Kissi referred to commencing work on the project, as outlined in the 2024 budget, as a “Christmas gift to the people of La.”
“No matter what the issues were, it has come back to bear that the loan agreement is being revisited, and construction will take off, and I think that this is the best Christmas gift to La. This will be our Christmas gift to La,” he stated, emphasizing that the project is expected to be completed within a year and a half.
“In the sense that this great hospital which has touched many lives is going to be reborn and we all need to be happy,” he said, adding that the project is supposed to be completed within a year-and-half,” he added.
However, this characterization of the hospital’s reconstruction as a “Christmas gift” has sparked backlash. Critics argue that rebuilding an existing infrastructure that was previously demolished is not a gift but a rightful provision.
Reactions on social media included comments such as “Christmas gift? Such impudence!” and “Nonsense. As if they’re doing the people of La a favor.”
The La General Hospital project has been a contentious issue, symbolizing the government’s failure to follow through with critical infrastructure while demolishing existing structures serving communities.
In response to public concerns, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta announced an allocation for the project in the 2024 budget, stating that work was set to commence. Despite expressions of delight from the opposition bench and the local MP, there remains skepticism about the government’s promises. The people of La had rejected previous explanations about challenges with the loan and the transfer of the project to Agenda 111.