The official commissioning of the first phase of Accra Ridge Hospital modernization project took place on Wednesday the 17th of May 2017 in the presence of the ambassador of France to Ghana, HE François Pujolas, his American counterpart HE Robert P. Jackson, the Health Minister Kwaku Agyeman-Manu and the traditional chiefs. This is a significant project for both Ghanaian healthcare and Bouygues, the French company in charge of the construction in collaboration with APHP (Public Assistance of Paris Hospitals). The "green" hospital is set to become the flagship of modern surgery in West Africa.

France expertise available in key sectors of Ghana’s development

Started in March 2014, the first phase of the development process of the Ridge Hospital in Accra has been completed. This project is symbolic for both the French company Bouygues, in charge of the construction works in cooperation with Public Assistance of Paris Hospitals, and for Ghanaian medical healthcare as well. This "green" hospital will become the flagship of modern surgery in West Africa.

France has a leading range of services in the healthcare sector ranging from the pharmaceutical industry to hospital management, construction, hospitalization of foreign patients in French hospitals and consulting. The inauguration which took place on Wednesday 17^th May, involved the first phase of the project with a capacity of 420 beds. The final phase of this modernization plan is scheduled to begin soon. In the end, the facility will have 620 beds, as well as 12 operating rooms and a state-of-the-art maternity center. The French Ambassador in his speech noted that “Projects of this nature enhance the attractiveness of Ghana, contributing in particular to increasing FDIs to the country”.

The Bouygues Company has also played an important role in this project. The French company, represented by its American and Ghanaian subsidiaries, has been responsible for designing, supplying equipment and training, covering the entire construction of this public hospital from architecture to maintenance. The project, funded mainly by the United States, is indicative of the development and modernization of medicine in Ghana.

A major contribution to sustainable development in Ghana

As the French Ambassador said; “This project is emblematic of the path towards sustainable development taken by Ghana”.  This new facility will enhance social justice, one of the three pillars of sustainable development, while “improving the health and well-being of the population” -the 3rd SDG (Sustainable Development Goal) on the list of 17 SDGs adopted by the United Nations two years ago. This facility will save more lives than before and will take better care of patients.

Economic development: Furthermore, this project will also bring important economic advantages. It enabled the creation of direct and indirect jobs during the implementation of the project and will continue to produce them within the hospital, well after this inauguration. Improving health also contributes to increase the productivity of the country.

Environmental protection: Finally, this facility has received LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, attesting to the success of a project in compliance with the best environmental standards (eco-design, waste management, resource efficiency…). This will be the first "green" hospital on the African continent.