The United States Office of the Security Cooperation Department of Defence handed over a new Level II Plus mobile field hospital to the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at Nyesie, Tamale. This significant donation marks a step forward in enhancing medical capabilities for both military personnel and civilians in the Northern Region of Ghana.
The 60-bed hospital is fully equipped to serve diverse medical and operational needs, featuring an intensive care unit, two surgical operating rooms, an x-ray unit, a laboratory, a morgue, an emergency room, and two generator sets. Designed as a mobile field facility, it can house up to 60 patients, providing comprehensive medical care in various scenarios, from routine health services to emergency responses.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, the Minister for Defence, Dominic Nitiwul, received the facility on behalf of the Government and the Ghana Armed Forces. He expressed his profound gratitude to the U.S. government and the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Her Excellency Virginia Palmer, for their generous contribution. The Minister emphasized that the facility will significantly enhance the capability of the 6 Garrison in Tamale to deliver quality healthcare to military personnel and the civilian population in the region.
Minister Nitiwul further highlighted that the new facility would strengthen the health sector’s capacity to achieve universal health coverage in the Northern Region. The addition of this field hospital positions it to become a major trauma center in the area, providing critical medical support not only to the military but also to local communities.
U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Her Excellency Virginia Palmer, expressed her pride in the strong and enduring security cooperation partnership between the United States and Ghana. She reiterated the U.S. government’s commitment to supporting Ghana through collaboration on regional security, investing in the people through long-term development initiatives, and upholding democratic institutions.
The Ambassador added that this donation reflects the United States’ ongoing efforts to build a strong, resilient partnership with Ghana, founded on mutual respect and shared interests. The provision of the Level II Plus Hospital is one of many ways the U.S. seeks to contribute to the well-being and security of the people of Ghana.
Deputy Chief of Staff Medical, Major General Raymond Ewusi, also expressed his sincere gratitude to the U.S. government, the Ambassador, and the entire team who made the donation possible. He acknowledged the significance of the hospital in strengthening the bond between the two countries, underscoring the shared values of service, sacrifice, and compassion.
Major General Ewusi emphasized that the new facility represents a milestone in the bilateral relationship between Ghana and the United States. It will greatly enhance the ability of the Ghana Armed Forces to provide medical care and respond to emergencies, thereby increasing the overall health and safety of the population in the Northern Region.
The ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including the Northern Regional Minister, Honorable Alhaji Shani Alhassan Shaidu, Deputy Chief of Staff Logistics (GAF) Rear Admiral Agyenim-Boateng, Airforce Base Commander, Tamale Air Commodore Joshua Mensah Larkai, and General Officer Commanding Northern Region, Brigadier General Frank Tei. Representatives from other security services, local government officials such as Municipal Chief Executive Honorable Yakubu Ahmed Mohammed, traditional leaders including Damankunyili Naa Saidu Mahama and Nyesie Naa Abdulai Mahami, as well as officers, soldiers, defense civilian staff, and families of the 6 Garrison, were also present.
The donation of the Level II Plus Hospital is expected to have a lasting impact on the healthcare landscape in Northern Ghana, providing a modern, mobile facility that enhances the region’s capacity to handle medical emergencies and deliver essential health services. It symbolizes a deepened commitment between the U.S. and Ghana to collaborate on issues of security, health, and development, reinforcing a partnership that continues to grow stronger.
By strengthening the healthcare infrastructure, the U.S. donation not only supports Ghana’s efforts to achieve universal health coverage but also underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing global health challenges. The new hospital is set to play a pivotal role in the health sector, ensuring that both military and civilian populations have access to timely, high-quality medical care in Northern Ghana.
