A bold step towards progress! The Gonja Kingdom’s leader, Yagbonwura Bikunuto Jewu Soale I, has generously offered 110 acres of land for the construction of a much-needed regional hospital in Damongo. This initiative marks a significant stride in fulfilling a government promise to enhance healthcare infrastructure in Ghana’s newly established regions.
But here’s where it gets controversial… The Health Minister, Joseph Yieleh Chireh Akandoh, visited the Yagbonwura’s palace on November 21, 2025, seeking traditional blessings for this project. This visit underscores the government’s commitment to modern healthcare, but it also highlights the unique role of traditional leaders in Ghana’s development narrative.
Out of the allocated land, 100 acres will be dedicated to the hospital complex, while the remaining 10 acres will provide accommodation and support facilities for staff. The minister, accompanied by regional and local leaders, inspected the proposed site near Soalepe, emphasizing the importance of this project to the region’s healthcare system.
During his address, Minister Akandoh revealed President John Dramani Mahama’s 2024 campaign promise to construct six new regional hospitals, especially in the newly created regions. He announced that the 2026 national budget has allocated funds for three of these hospitals, with the Savannah Region being one of the fortunate beneficiaries.
The minister appealed to the Yagbonwura for his support in securing proper land documentation, recognizing the importance of traditional blessings and leadership in preventing future disputes that often hinder national development projects. He acknowledged that President Mahama’s appointment of him as Health Minister after the 2024 elections was a testament to the value of traditional leadership in national progress.
Responding through Mankpanwura Jakpa Achor Ade Borenyi I, the Yagbonwura expressed his gratitude for the visit and pledged his full support for the successful execution of the Savannah Regional Hospital project. This backing from the traditional leader is crucial, given the significant influence of chieftaincy institutions in the region.
President Mahama had previously committed to establishing a fully equipped regional hospital in Damongo during a visit by the Yagbonwura in July 2025. He envisioned this hospital as a referral center for the region, complementing the existing healthcare infrastructure at West Gonja Hospital. The facility will also be supported by improved ambulance services, accommodation, and the recruitment of health professionals.
And this is the part most people miss… The president also announced plans for the hospital to serve as a teaching facility for a proposed Catholic Science and Technology University, which will include a Faculty of Medical Sciences. This university will train doctors and allied health professionals, with initial funding coming from a $30 million grant promised by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Minister Akandoh indicated that a closed-door meeting would be held with regional and local leaders to discuss strategies for attracting and retaining health workers in the area. He encouraged the Yagbonwura to inspire his subjects to support these health professionals, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the government and citizens for effective healthcare delivery.
The Savannah Region currently relies on the Central Gonja District Hospital in Buipe and West Gonja Hospital in Damongo for its major healthcare needs. The planned 300-bed regional hospital represents a significant upgrade in healthcare capacity for this region, which was established in 2019.
Traditional authorities in Damongo have historically played active roles in major development projects. Damongowura Seidu Kelly Boresa I, officially recognized by the National House of Chiefs in 2024, ended eight years of chieftaincy dispute, which had impacted development in the community.
This hospital project is part of the government’s broader plan to expand healthcare access across Ghana’s newly created regions, addressing long-standing infrastructure deficits that have hindered service delivery in remote areas. Construction timelines will be announced once mobilization preparations are finalized.
So, what do you think about the role of traditional leaders in Ghana’s development? Is it a necessary collaboration or a potential obstacle? Share your thoughts in the comments below!