Ghana’s Health Minister, Hon. Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, has paid a courtesy call on the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, on the second day of his working visit to the Ashanti region. The purpose of the visit was to update the Asantehene on the progress of hospitals in the region and his itinerary.
Dr. Okoe Boye assured the Asantehene that the new Ashanti regional hospital in Sewua Bosomtwe district will be ready for commissioning in September 2024. He expressed his gratitude for the Asantehene’s support for the health sector.
After the courtesy call, the Health Minister proceeded to inspect the 40-bed Suame District Hospital. He assessed the progress of the facility and identified some challenges that need to be addressed before its commissioning.
The site manager of the facility, Mr. William Bawah, highlighted some challenges they have identified, including land documentation issues, inadequate accommodation, and road network to the hospital.
The Health Minister and his entourage continued their tour to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH). They visited the Accidents and Emergency Centre, physiotherapy department, and the maternity block.
The Chief Executive Officer of KATH, Prof. Ochere Addai-Mensah, welcomed the Health Minister and briefed him on the pressure on the facility and staff, which is affecting the quality of healthcare delivery.
Prof. Addai-Mensah highlighted the primary challenges facing the facility, including the lack of heavy medical equipment and the breakdown of some machines in the oncology directorate.
“I am sure that, if the facilities in Sewua and Afari are completed, the pressure in Komfo Anokye will decrease,” Prof. Addai-Mensah affirmed.
Dr. Okoe Boye assured management of KATH that he will work speedily with his team to resolve the challenges facing the facility.
He commended the First Lady of the Republic of Ghana, Her Excellency Rebecca Akufo-Addo, for building a Mother and Child Unit for the hospital.
The Health Minister’s visit to the Ashanti region is part of his efforts to assess the progress of healthcare facilities and address challenges facing the sector.
Story by: Michael Seh
