The Bono Regional Minister, Joseph Addae Akwaboah, has disclosed that the government intends to elevate the Municipal Hospital in Sunyani to a Regional Hospital, aiming to address the increasing healthcare demands of residents in the area.
The proposed upgrade, when completed, will operate alongside the Sunyani Teaching Hospital to serve as the training grounds for students of the proposed medical school of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) in Sunyani.
The Regional Minister announced this when he paid a courtesy call on the Omanhene of Sunyani, Odeefour Ogyeamansan Boahen Korkor II in Sunyani.
The minister told Omanhene that the proposed upgrade will further position the Sunyani Municipal Hospital, which will soon mark its centenary anniversary celebrations, to provide specialized medical services to people in and around the Bono Region.
He further touched on the various road projects in the area currently being undertaken by the Mahama-led administration.
These include the Sunyani outer ring road project, the dualization of the Sunyani-Abesim highway, the construction of the Sunyani-Ntotroso-Acherensua road and many others.
Presidential directive
Mr. Addae Akwaboah also said President Mahama has directed all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to set aside 25% of their share of the Common Fund to complete the various abandoned projects inherited from the previous government.
He said President Mahama has the development of Sunyani and the Bono Region at heart and is determined to do everything possible to leave lasting legacies in the region.
The Regional Minister further announced that the Sunyani Municipal Assembly will soon be elevated to a metropolitan status.
Chieftaincy
Touching on the impasse surrounding the installation of the Sunyanimanhene vis-à-vis the subsequent suspension of the queen-mother of Sunyani, the Regional Minister called on all parties to respect the road map to the peaceful resolution of the issues as being spearheaded by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
Mr. Addae Akwaboah reiterated that pending the decision of the Judicial Committee of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, which is adjudicating the matter, Odeefour Ogyeamansan Boahen Korkor II remains the Omanhene of the Sunyani Traditional Area and should be recognized as such.
Similarly, he said, Nana Akosua Dua Asor Sika Brayie II should be regarded as the queen mother of Sunyani and must be duly accorded with due respect and recognition.
Appreciation
For his part, Odeefour Ogyeamansan Boahen Korkor II, expressed his appreciation to President Mahama, the Local Government Minister, Ahmed Ibrahim and the Regional Minister for their roles in finding a peaceful resolution of the chieftaincy standoff.
He said he would work closely with the Sunyani Municipal Assembly to devise effective mechanisms of accelerating the pace of development of the area.
The Sunyanimanhene, however, complained of the unmotorable nature of most inner-city roads in the town and poor sanitary conditions of some parts of the city.
