Management of the Upper West Regional Hospital has strongly denied allegations circulating on social media suggesting that the facility experienced an oxygen shortage and was unable to support a referred patient.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, January 21, 2026 and published on their Facebook page, hospital authorities described the claims—attributed to a Facebook post by one Mr. Stephen Opoku Awudu—as false, misleading, and inconsistent with the operational realities of the hospital.
According to management, the hospital has adequate oxygen supply and continues to provide uninterrupted oxygen support to all clinical units, including the Emergency Department. The facility operates a central oxygen plant and also maintains sufficient oxygen cylinders on standby to ensure continuity of care, particularly during power fluctuations or technical challenges, the statement added.
Management explained that on Friday, January 16, 2026, the hospital’s oxygen plant experienced a software-related fault caused by power fluctuations. However, this incident did not result in any shortage of oxygen. Available oxygen cylinders were immediately deployed to support patient care while efforts were made to restore the plant to full functionality.
The hospital further clarified that it operates a functional and reliable referral system, with designated referral focal persons whose contact details are readily available to referring health facilities. Emergency Physicians and Medical Officers, management said, are on duty 24 hours a day to receive and manage referred cases. Claims that the hospital was unable to accept referrals due to lack of oxygen were therefore described as inaccurate.
It disclosed that preliminary reviews conducted at the Emergency Department confirmed that oxygen supply remained available throughout the period in question. Records also show that several referral cases from the Upper West and Savannah Regions were received and successfully managed during the same timeframe.
Management assured the general public, referral facilities, and stakeholders that patient safety remains its top priority, stressing that robust systems and contingency measures are in place to guarantee the continuous delivery of critical services. While acknowledging broader systemic challenges within the healthcare sector, hospital authorities appealed for responsible and verified public commentary on sensitive health issues to avoid creating unnecessary panic and undermining public confidence in the health system.
The statement concluded by assuring the public that the Upper West Regional Hospital remains fully operational and committed to providing safe, quality, and uninterrupted healthcare services in line with the mandate of the Ghana Health Service.
