Over 120 hospital beds, donated by the German non-profit Health Information Technology for Africa (HITA e.V.), remain stranded at Ghana’s harbor, leaving deprived health facilities without critical resources.
These beds, intended to alleviate the country’s “no-bed syndrome,” must be cleared immediately to address the pressing needs of patients and healthcare workers.
HITA e.V., a reliable partner in strengthening healthcare systems across Africa, launched its “One Bed for All” initiative to supply 180 state-of-the-art, adjustable hospital beds to clinics in Ghana.
While 60 beds were distributed in September 2023, significantly improving healthcare in facilities such as the Sunyani Regional Hospital and SDA Hospital, the remaining 120 beds are yet to be delivered due to logistical and bureaucratic challenges.
This delay is depriving underserved communities of essential medical equipment and putting Ghana’s commitment to efficient healthcare delivery under scrutiny.
HITA e.V., a non-profit organization founded in 2009 under Germany’s Freiburg Register of Associations, has been a dependable ally in strengthening Africa’s healthcare systems.
Their “One Bed for All” initiative aims to provide state-of-the-art, adjustable hospital beds to deprived clinics across Ghana. Out of the 180 beds pledged, only 60 were distributed in September 2023, benefiting facilities like the Sunyani Regional Hospital, Sunyani Municipal Hospital, SDA Hospital, and Fiapre Health Center.
The impact of these beds on patient care has been immense, alleviating pressures in emergency and general wards.
However, the remaining 120 beds are yet to be cleared due to bureaucratic red tape and logistical setbacks.
This delay deprives underserved communities of critical healthcare resources and tarnishes Ghana’s image as a country committed to efficient healthcare delivery.
Voices from the Field
Healthcare professionals at beneficiary institutions have lauded the beds’ transformative effect.
Madam Linda Obeng, a ward in charge at the SDA Hospital in Sunyani, described them as life-changing and pleaded with the government to expedite the release of the remaining beds. Her emotional appeal reflects the daily struggles faced by healthcare workers operating in resource-constrained environments.
Similarly, Mr. Apraku Enoch, Administrator of the SDA Hospital, highlighted that while personnel are essential to healthcare, modern equipment is equally critical.
He lamented the inefficiency keeping these valuable beds out of reach and urged swift government action to resolve the impasse.
HITA’s Broader Vision
For over a decade, HITA e.V. has supported Ghana’s healthcare sector through information and communication technology innovations. Beyond hospital beds, their initiatives include setting up computer labs for nursing schools and improving e-learning systems.
At the Catholic University of Ghana (CUG) in Sunyani, HITA’s partnership aims to enhance the training of health professionals. The stranded beds represent more than just physical resources—they are part of a broader mission to advance healthcare sustainably.
A National Responsibility
The continued delay in clearing these beds raises serious concerns about Ghana’s priorities in healthcare delivery. Harsh weather conditions risk damaging the beds, while bureaucratic inefficiencies paint a picture of misplaced focus. Each passing day translates into preventable suffering for patients and overburdened healthcare workers.
We call on the government to act decisively. This requires waiving or expediting clearance fees, streamlining the process, and ensuring the beds are delivered to their intended beneficiaries. Ghana must seize this opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to equitable healthcare access and responsible governance.
These beds are more than donations—they are lifelines for countless Ghanaians needing dignified and adequate medical care. The time to act is now. Let us not allow red tape to hinder progress. The eyes of the nation and the world are watching.
