By Dennis Peprah
Sunyani, (Bono), April 24, GNA – Mr Joseph Addae Akwaboa, the Bono Regional Minister has described the ‘apparent’ elevation of the Sunyani Regional Hospital into a Teaching Hospital status by the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government as a total deception.
He said there was nothing realistic that showed that facility befitted the status of a teaching Hospital, however added that the government was working hard to ensure that the upgrade becomes a reality.
Interacting with the media in Sunyani, Mr Akwaboa explained, “we even use a cabinet memo to elevate a regional Hospital into a teaching hospital status,” instead that required an Executive Instrument.
Responding to a question on the state of the Hospital, Mr Akwaboa explained that the government had set up a Teaching Hospital Board which comprised institutional representation to pave the way for the elevation.
He said the Council of State had already met and President John Dramani Mahama would unveil the Board soon.
He said plans were also far advanced for the opening of a Medical School at the University of Energy and Natural Resources by the close of the year.
Mr Akwaboa said illegal mining and activities of Fulani herdsmen who used their animals for cattle grazing remained another daunting challenge in the region, however added that key stakeholders had met and the menaces would be tackled head-on.
“We have even met with the national president of the Fulani community in the country,” he stated, assuring that activities of illegal mining and cattle grazing would be brought under control soon.
The Regional Minister said it was unfortunate that the unscrupulous activities of the Fulani nomads had gained grounds at communities such as Nsoatre, in the Sunyani West and Namasua in Berekum East Municipalities as well as Seikwa in the Tain District.
Mr Akwaboa therefore called for collective approaches between chiefs and queens, community, and opinion leaders as well as the media to help tackle the menace.
GNA
DEN/LAA