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By Christian Ahodie-Volta Region
Caregivers attending to patients at the Ho Teaching Hospital are raising serious concerns about their dire living conditions, as many are forced to sleep in the open due to the absence of a dedicated accommodation facility on the hospital premises.
For several nights, dozens of patient visitors—predominantly women—have had to endure harsh weather conditions, mosquito bites, and physical discomfort while sleeping on bare cement floors, plastic sheets, hospital benches, and makeshift bedding such as sachet water wrappers.
“We came to take care of our relatives, but now we are falling sick ourselves,” a caregiver told this reporter while lying on a flattened cement bag after spending five consecutive nights at the facility.
Located in Ghana’s Volta Region, the Ho Teaching Hospital is one of the country’s key referral centres, serving thousands of patients across the region. However, its lack of visitor accommodation is exposing a critical gap in patient care support and raising concerns about the health and dignity of caregivers.
Some of the affected persons say they have endured this situation for years with little response from hospital authorities or government officials. Previous calls for the construction of a visitor hostel reportedly went unheeded during the Akufo-Addo–Bawumia administration. With a new government in place, patient visitors are appealing to President John Dramani Mahama’s administration to urgently intervene.
“Even if a hostel is built and they charge 10 or 20 cedis a night, we will pay. We just need a safe place to rest,” another caregiver said, expressing frustration.
Men accompanying patients are not spared either. Many are seen sleeping on benches or under trees, often battling mosquitoes and enduring cold nights without any form of shelter.
Health experts warn that the situation could have health implications for the caregivers and, indirectly, the patients they support. Caregivers play a critical role in assisting with feeding, mobility, and emotional support for hospitalised patients.
The patient visitors are therefore calling for the immediate construction of a modest hostel facility within or near the hospital compound to offer safe and affordable lodging options.
“All we want is somewhere to sleep and wake up strong enough to support our sick relatives. Is that too much to ask?” a caregiver asked.
Until action is taken, these silent heroes continue to bear the burden of caregiving under inhumane conditions—an overlooked crisis that begs urgent attention.
