By Rosemary Wayo
Nyensi (N/R), Sept. 6, GNA – The United States Government has presented a state-of-the-art 60-bed mobile field hospital dubbed, “Level II Plus,” to the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) in the Northern Region, to provide prompt healthcare to the personnel and their families.
The facility, located at Nyensi, a suburb of Tamale, has an intensive care unit, two surgical operating rooms, x-ray and laboratory service rooms, a morgue, an emergency room and two generator sets, and would also extend its services to members of the public.
The mobile field hospital could be assembled in remote locations to accommodate up to 60 patients.
Madam Virginia Palmer, the United States Ambassador to Ghana, at the handing over ceremony said the provision of the about $5 million worth mobile hospital, highlighted the security partnership between the two countries.
She said the delivery of the mobile field hospital signified the commitment of both countries to ensuring that Ghana’s military forces were equipped with the necessary skills and equipment for both border security and comprehensive casualty care.
The facility could provide full medical and operational support to patients under any condition, she said.
Ambassador Palmer said: “This year, we will exceed $28 million or over GHc438 million in security support to Ghana. We are focused on supporting Ghana as a leader in West Africa working together on regional security, investing in people through our long-term development relationship, protecting democratic institutions and advancing our mutual prosperity”.
Madam Palmer praised Ghana for being an exporter of peace and a leader in the region, highlighting that the country’s commitment to peace and security was demonstrated by her deployment of nearly 2,800 military and police peacekeepers to eight United Nations peacekeeping operations on the continent.
She said Ghana’s soldiers, sailors and airmen played critical roles in regional stability and continued to raise the standard of professionalism in the conduct of peacekeeping missions.
She said Ghana’s progress in fostering religious tolerance and respect for human rights, which were key elements of her democratic success.
She said building a strong, inclusive economy was crucial for sustaining democratic stability and expressed confidence in the country’s ability to address current and future challenges, including the increasing threat from violent extremist organisations.
Madam Palmer reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to a secure and democratic West Africa and urged both nations to collaborate on ensuring peaceful and credible elections.
She said, “As both of our countries are gearing up for the most important moment in democracy, let us work together to ensure elections are free from violence and intimidation reflecting the true will of the people”.
Mr Dominic Nitiwul, the Minister for Defence, who received the facility on behalf of the government, thanked the United States Government for the generosity.
He said the mobile field hospital represented a significant investment in the nation’s military health capabilities as it was designed for rapid deployment.
He stated that the facility aligned with Ghana’s national health policy, which underscored the importance of providing quality health care to advance national development and improve living standards.
He said government deemed it prudent to collaborate with its valued strategic partner, the United States, to secure the facility.
Mr Nitiwul said the donation was a testament to the strong US-Ghana partnership, which had already yielded substantial benefits across various sectors, including health care for military personnel and their families.
He said the hospital was expected to enhance health care delivery in all regions of the Northern Command of the GAF, adding it would bridge existing gaps in health care, particularly in remote areas.
He said, “Previously, critical cases had to be transported to Accra but with this facility, we can provide immediate care on-site.”
He noted that the facility came at a crucial time when Ghana was maintaining strict vigilance against terrorism and violent extremism, especially in the regions in the north.
Major General Raymond Ewusi, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics, GAF, said the facility would enhance the GAF’s medical services to ensure that personnel received the best care.
He said, “This facility will serve as nucleus for the establishment of the proposed Tamale Military Hospital.”
GNA