The Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) has disconnected electricity supply to the Upper Regional Hospital during its revenue mobilization exercise in the Upper West.
The VRA/NEDCo began its revenue mobilization exercise in the region on Wednesday, April 18, 2023, to collect outstanding bills from customers.
The exercise is in its second week and is expected to last for one month.
According to Mr Francis Yormesor, the Wa Area Manager, VRA-NEDCo, the Hospital has over one year failed to pay its electricity bills which amounts to GH₵20 million.
He said the company held several engagements with the management of the hospital to work out a payment plan to clear the debts but to no avail.
Mr Yormesor noted that per the critical services the hospital provides to the public, they asked the hospital to 30 per cent of the outstanding bills so that they will not disconnect the electricity.
On his part, the Director of the Upper West Regional Hospital, Dr. Robert Amesiya expressed his concern over the disconnection of electricity supply to the hospital, stating that it will have a severe impact on the quality of healthcare delivery especially to patients who are in critical care .
Dr. Amesiya disclosed that the hospital relies heavily on electricity to operate critical medical equipment and machines essential for the treatment of patients.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo commissioned the $52 million 160-bed Upper West Regional Hospital on Sunday, 18th August 2019, as part of his 2-day tour of the Upper West Region.
However, the facility was commissioned and operationalized without seed capital.