For decades, La General Hospital served the people of La, Labadi and surrounding communities in Accra. In 2020, its old buildings were pulled down. Years later, residents were still waiting for the new one.
The hospital, located in La, one of the old Ga towns of Accra, was an important district facility, handling emergencies, maternity care and outpatient services for a large population. Its buildings had deteriorated, and engineers declared parts of the structure unsafe.
Demolition and plans
In 2020, the government moved services out and demolished the old buildings, announcing a plan to build a modern, larger hospital on the site. The project was presented as part of efforts to improve health infrastructure in Accra.
Stalled construction
Construction began but slowed and then stalled, amid questions about funding and contractor payments. The site remained partly built for a long period.
Patients were redirected to other facilities, including temporary arrangements and hospitals such as Ridge and Korle Bu, which were already under pressure. Residents complained of longer journeys and overcrowding elsewhere.
Protests
Residents of La, supported by youth groups, traditional leaders and civil society, organised protests and campaigns demanding the completion of the hospital. Local politicians raised the issue in Parliament.
Political promises
The issue became part of political debate, and after the change of government in 2025, officials promised to resume and complete the project.
Why it matters
La General is one of many stalled public projects in Ghana, including hospitals and schools started under one government and left unfinished. Critics call for better planning, secured funding before construction begins and continuity between governments.
A crowded system
Accra’s population has grown to several million, and public hospitals such as Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Ridge Hospital, LEKMA Hospital in Teshie and the Police and 37 Military hospitals already carry heavy loads. Losing a district hospital in a dense area like La pushes more patients onto them. Emergency cases, including women in labour, face longer journeys through heavy traffic.
A wider problem
Across Ghana, uncompleted hospital projects, some of them started a decade ago, have become symbols of wasted money. Health workers and patients pay the price.
The old hospital was demolished to build something better. For the people of La, the first result was a hospital-shaped hole in their neighbourhood.
