Axim Hospital wards shut down for Hollywood movie would promote tourism

The female and Maternity Ward of the Axim Government Hospital in the Western Region has been closed down by the hospital authorities over the decision to shoot some Hollywood movie at the facility.

The residents of the community are outraged and are demonstrating for the hospital administration to cancel the agreement with the Hollywood officials.

Axim Youth Alliance, a group leading the demonstration has petitioned the government through the District Assembly over the issue.

Solomon Eshun, the leader of the group speaking to Skyy Power 93.5FM indicated that the movie crew has not yet started to shoot the movie, as such, it is not right to shut down the facility for months now.

However, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) for the Western Regional Health Directorate of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) Mad. Samira Awudu Issakah, speaking to Skyy Power 93.FM on Thursday, January 6, indicated that it is normal for hospitals to be used for movies and gave examples of some major hospitals used for movies.

She made it known they did not completely shut down the wards but rather moved the patience to a much bigger space to make way for the shooting and denied claims the females and males had to share ward.

She further noted that Ghanaians should not view it only from the negative perspective but the brighter side as it will promote Ghana, health care and tourism in Axim.

Mad. Samira said, “We should look at the positive aspect of it as it is an opportunity to sell Axim and Ghana as a whole to promote tourism.

“We are always talking about tourism, selling Ghana, buy Ghana and eat Ghana so what is wrong in projecting Ghana.”

Mad. Samira further indicated that the deal between the health service and the Hollywood team was to use the facility for three months.