By D. Abraham Cooper Sr.
Grand Gedeh County – May 24, 2026 – Concerns are mounting in Grand Gedeh County as the newly constructed Grand Gedeh County Referral Hospital remains abandoned and overgrown with grass, despite being officially dedicated four months ago by Vice President Jeremiah Koung.
The hospital, which was constructed with support from the German Government, was expected to significantly improve healthcare delivery in the southeastern region of Liberia. However, residents say the facility has remained nonfunctional due to several unresolved issues, including the lack of furniture, incomplete construction work, poor network coverage, and the absence of an operational budget.
Citizens described the situation as disappointing, noting that the modern referral hospital has effectively been left idle while patients in the county continue to depend on existing health facilities with limited capacity.
According to residents, the entire hospital compound is gradually being overtaken by grass because there are no active operations taking place at the facility. Community members also claimed that no clear government funding mechanism has been established to manage and operate the hospital since its dedication.
The administration of Martha Tubman Memorial Hospital had previously announced plans to relocate services to the new referral hospital. However, the proposed move generated strong opposition from citizens and stakeholders across Grand Gedeh County.
Many residents argued that relocating to the facility would have been premature because the hospital was not fully completed and lacked essential equipment and infrastructure needed for proper healthcare services.
Among the major concerns raised were the shortage of furniture and unreliable telecommunications network coverage, which citizens say could affect communication between medical staff, patients, and emergency responders.
Following public pressure and growing criticism, authorities at Martha Tubman Memorial Hospital reportedly suspended plans to move into the new building.
Citizens are now calling on Grand Gedeh County lawmakers to urgently intervene by engaging the national government to secure an operational budget for the referral hospital.
Residents believe immediate action is needed to prevent the facility from deteriorating further and to ensure the people of Grand Gedeh benefit from the healthcare services promised through the project.
The situation has also sparked broader concerns about the sustainability of major government and donor-funded projects after their official dedication ceremonies.
