By Martin Osei Tutu/William Sarpong, Accra
President John Dramani Mahama has commissioned the newly constructed YOHUNO Ward at the Ghana Police Hospital in Accra and donated two brand-new ambulances to strengthen healthcare delivery, emergency response and the welfare of police personnel.
The ward, named in honour of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, is fully equipped with modern medical equipment and is expected to improve access to quality healthcare for police officers, their families and members of the general public.
The commissioning marks a significant investment in police healthcare and welfare, recognising the importance of providing officers with the medical support they need to perform their duties effectively.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, President Mahama commended IGP Yohuno for his exemplary leadership and dedication to duty, describing the new facility as an important addition to the country’s healthcare infrastructure.
“Our country is safer today than it was before,” the President stated, pointing to improvements in the handling of murder cases and efforts to combat violent crime under the current Police administration.
He particularly praised the Police Cyber Unit for its outstanding work in combating cybercrime and protecting Ghana’s digital space.
President Mahama also thanked stakeholders whose contributions had helped sustain peace and security in the country, noting that the new ward would serve not only police personnel but also members of the wider public.
The President recalled his discussions with the Police leadership on measures to strengthen the welfare of officers, describing the establishment of the YOHUNO Ward as a demonstration of that commitment.
He emphasised that the demanding nature of police work required attention to the physical and emotional well-being of personnel.
“The service places demand on both physical health and emotional health too. The officer’s ability to protect the public depends on his own health,” President Mahama said.
He disclosed that seven police officers who sustained injuries while on duty were already receiving treatment at the new facility.
The President urged officers to seek medical attention whenever necessary, stressing that taking care of their health would enable them to serve the country more effectively.
He also charged medical personnel to provide professional and compassionate care to every patient.
“The quality of care should be measured by medical needs. Treat every patient with care and professionally,” he told the staff.
President Mahama further urged hospital management to ensure proper maintenance of the facility and prioritise continuous training for medical personnel to sustain high standards of healthcare delivery.
As part of his support for the Police Hospital, President Mahama donated two brand-new ambulances to improve emergency response, facilitate patient transfers and strengthen the hospital’s capacity to respond to urgent medical needs.
The ambulances are expected to complement the new ward by enhancing the transportation of patients requiring immediate medical attention and referrals to other health facilities.
GH¢300 MILLION FOR POLICE HOUSING
Beyond healthcare, President Mahama outlined additional government interventions aimed at improving the operational capacity and welfare of the Ghana Police Service.
He recalled that 50 armoured vehicles were handed over to the Service last December to strengthen its operational capabilities and enhance its response to security threats.
The President also disclosed that he had requested the Finance Minister to release GH¢300 million to support the provision of housing facilities for police personnel across the country.
The proposed housing investment, alongside improvements in healthcare infrastructure and operational equipment, forms part of efforts to improve the working and living conditions of police officers.
Earlier, the Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, said the commissioning of the new ward demonstrated the Police administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of officers.
The naming of the facility as the YOHUNO Ward honours the IGP and places his name on a healthcare facility intended to serve police personnel, their families and the general public.
The ceremony was attended by members of the Police Management Board (POMAB), senior police officers, medical personnel and representatives of the media.
