The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has urged the newly constituted board of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) to prioritize the hospital’s development over personal interests.
Speaking during a courtesy call at the Manhyia Palace, Otumfuo admonished the board chaired by Otumfuo Hiahene, Prof. Oheneba Boachie-Adjei Woahene II to work with unity and a shared commitment to transform the hospital.
He emphasized the importance of completing the Heal Komfo Anokye project, a major initiative aimed at renovating key sections of the facility.
Describing the board as a “competent group with the experience needed to revamp the hospital,” the Asantehene underscored the vital role of KATH as the premier referral hospital in southern Ghana.
“Komfo Anokye is the main referral hospital in the southern sector. If something unfortunate were to happen to me today, that is where I would be taken for care. It is therefore our collective responsibility to ensure the hospital functions effectively,” Otumfuo stated. “The new management must place the daily running of the hospital above personal interests. I expect the CEO to work closely with the board, and together use internally generated funds wisely to supplement government support.”
The newly formed board, accompanied by KATH’s new Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Paa Kwasi Baidoo, was at the Palace to introduce its members and seek the King’s blessings.
Dr. Baidoo requested that the day-to-day management of the Heal Komfo Anokye project be handed over to the board to enable them to mobilize funds and fast-track the project’s implementation.
“I’m aware of the ‘Heal Komfo Anokye’ project, which you initiated with the goal of raising $10 million to renovate parts of the hospital. We would like to plead with you to allow us to oversee the daily running of the project so we can solicit more funding for its continuity,” he said.
Dr. Baidoo also appealed to Otumfuo to support efforts to revive stalled infrastructural projects funded by foreign donor partners, including the British government.
“Nana, all the key government-initiated infrastructure projects supported by foreign donors have stalled, worsening congestion in the hospital. We respectfully ask that you lend your voice to the matter so government attention can be drawn to it,” he added.
In response, Otumfuo expressed full confidence in the board and committed to advocating for the continuation of donor-funded projects, including the stalled Children’s and Maternity Block.
He attributed delays in these projects to Ghana’s previous engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which affected funding and the progress of major developments in Kumasi.
“The Children’s and Maternity Block at KATH is part of British-funded projects ongoing in Kumasi, which also include the Kumasi Airport and the Central Market. The delays began when Ghana entered into an IMF program. However, the current President, John Dramani Mahama, has assured me that work will resume soon,” he disclosed.
Otumfuo revealed that he had discussed the matter with the British Trade Envoy, who indicated that the UK government would revisit the projects as IMF renegotiations with Ghana progress.
“It’s not just KATH; Kejetia Market Phase II and the Kumasi Airport projects have also been affected. But for now, I’m prioritizing the hospital projects. I’m hopeful that the ongoing discussions will yield positive results and allow all these stalled projects to resume,” he added.
Otumfuo concluded by reiterating his commitment to the hospital’s development and pledged continued support for the board’s efforts.
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Source: www.kumasimail.com
