Private sector breaks ground for construction of Infectious Disease center

Heads of businesses in the private sector have broken ground for the commencement of works on Ghana’s first Infectious Disease Isolation and Treatment Facility at the premises of the Ga East Municipal Hospital.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was expected to commission the construction of the 100-bed facility which is being funded by the Ghana COVID-19 Private Sector Fund.

But in accordance with the ban on social distancing, the President undertook the exercise virtually from the confines of his office at the seat of Presidency, Jubilee House.

Speaking via a video conference call on Friday, April 17, President Akufo-Addo said; “This fund that's been created by private sector operators to assist in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic is an excellent idea. It's an excellent initiative and it's a tremendous demonstration of the private sectors’ commitment to the welfare of the nation.”

“It's a patriotic venture of the highest quality and I want to thank all of you very much for the initiative.”

However, trustee of the COVID-10 Private Sector Fund, Kwaku Bediako, explained the project is a rather timely one which is expected to be delivered within four to six weeks.

Adding, the nation expects to within that period, reach its full peak of the coronavirus pandemic, hence the necessary venture.

“This project is expected to cost US$3.5 million and so far, I can confirm that we've been able to put up more than 50% of the money. We hope to get the rest rather quickly as we’re still asking for more donations.” Bediako added.

Additionally, personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces will work round the clock to aid in the construction of the treatment facility at the Ga East Municipal Hospital also known as the National COVID-19 Treatment Centre.

Meanwhile, another trustee of the fund, Mr. Tony Oteng Gyasi, explained that the construction of the facility was in accordance with the private sector’s continual support of governments interventions towards the fight against Coronavirus.

“We've as at now served 150,000 hot meals to some underprivileged persons during a 12-day lockdown period and we’re now moving on to the next phase of the project. Where we are now is the natural continuation of the efforts complementary to what government is already doing towards this vital fight”

Coordinator of the project; Architect Kofi Essel-Appiah on his part said; "Our objective is to make sure that the staff from this hospital don’t get contaminated with the disease as they fight for the health and safety of Ghanaians”

“One key thing about this particular disease is that, it is infections which can get to the medical staff so this has been taken into consideration with the design and plan we’ve layed out.” Essel-Appiah assured.

Mr. Edward Effah who is also a trustee of the fund said the ultra-modern building, when constructed will be well fitted and well-resourced with intelligent workflows to fit the purpose of infectious disease management in Ghana.

He adds, the layout of the facility was not just conducted by architects alone but also with the assistance of medics at the Ga East Municipal Hospital.

The Ghana COVID-19 Private Sector Fund, which seeks to raise a minimum of GH¢100 million has been established by a number of private businesses drawn from diverse sectors in the country to support government’s efforts to conquer the coronavirus pandemic.