The deteriorating state of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi, Ghana, demands immediate government intervention to prevent a potential catastrophe.
As a vital referral health facility owned by the state, KATH has played a significant role in addressing the healthcare needs of the people. However, neglect from the government and intentional sabotage have left this crucial institution on the brink of collapse.
Over the years, the infrastructure at KATH has suffered severe deterioration, reflecting the government’s failure to fulfill its responsibility to renovate the facility.
Recognizing the urgent need for action, His Majesty, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, launched the Heal Komfo Anokye Project with the noble aim of raising funds to renovate the hospital targeting to raise at least 10 million dollar for the project.
People from various walks of life, particularly those from the Asante region, have demonstrated their support by contributing financially to give KATH a much-needed face-lift.
However, amidst these efforts, a distressing occurrence has emerged – deliberate attempts to undermine the project and spread falsehoods.
Importing materials for the renovation, KATH faces a significant hurdle as a hefty duty fee of GHC1.2 million has been imposed on these essential supplies upon arrival at the Tema Harbor.
Shockingly, the government, whose primary responsibility is to renovate the deteriorating hospital, has callously refused to assist in clearing the goods, implying that they are intended for private purposes.
This callous disregard for KATH’s welfare is exemplified by the government’s shocking lack of contribution to the ongoing renovation works.
The authorities have shamefully failed to allocate any resources towards maintaining their own deteriorating health infrastructure.
Equally disheartening is the government’s refusal to extend a helping hand to those who are selflessly sacrificing their resources to ensure the hospital’s survival.
Adding insult to injury, individuals believed to be associated with the government have propagated an unfounded story on social media, claiming that the Asantehene has made a donation of five million US dollars to support the KATH project.
Regrettably, this false narrative appears to be a desperate attempt to divert attention from the government’s failures, creating the illusion that the hospital possesses sufficient funds to finance its own renovation.
It is imperative that those responsible for sabotaging the project realize the ramifications of their actions. Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital is not merely a structure; it is the place where life begins, from the tender period of pregnancy to the miraculous moments of childbirth. It is where our loved ones find solace and healing when faced with illness or injury.
By damaging KATH, those involved in sabotage are jeopardizing the very fabric of our society, as no one can escape the need for medical care either in the form of timely interventions or the inevitable journey towards the morgue.
We call upon the government of Ghana, in particular the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service, and the Ghana Medical Association, to act decisively.
Immediate action must be taken to address the deplorable state of KATH. It is time to honor their commitment to serving the people and restore faith in our healthcare system.
Furthermore, we appeal to Dr. Okoe Boye, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, and Stephen Amoah, individuals holding influential positions within the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance, to escalate this matter. The need for government intervention cannot be understated, and the time for action is now.
We urge those involved in sabotaging the project to reconsider their actions and recognize that their efforts are not only hindering the renovation of KATH but also undermining the health and well-being of every Ghanaian.
Let us come together as a nation to ensure KATH’s survival, for it is through the success of this project that we can reaffirm our commitment to the values of compassion, care, and solidarity.
Source: Isaac Justice Bediako Broadcast Journalist EIB-Network