Prof. Otchere Addai-Mensah, the immediate past Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), has expressed deep appreciation to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and President John Dramani Mahama for granting him the opportunity to serve the nation.
He acknowledged that his appointment and successful tenure as CEO would not have been possible without the support, endorsement, and trust of the Asantehene and both the former and current Presidents.
In a statement issued in Kumasi, Prof. Addai-Mensah, who received a standing ovation during his final staff durbar on Monday, highlighted the Asantehene’s critical role in the renovation of the hospital’s old blocks under the Heal Komfo Anokye Project, describing it as a “historic intervention” from the Manhyia Palace.
He also expressed gratitude to Hon. Francis Asenso-Boakye, Member of Parliament for Bantama, for his facilitation and support in his appointment.
“My time as the head of the management team of the second-largest tertiary hospital in Ghana has been one of the most defining moments in my life, and I am most grateful to all those through whom I was given the opportunity and support to serve in that capacity,” he stated.
“I am also indebted to the management, staff, and other partners whose sacrifices, encouragement, and prayers were pivotal in helping to reposition the hospital as a leading centre for tertiary healthcare, training, and research during my term of office,” he added.
Prof. Addai-Mensah served as CEO from December 1, 2022, to April 2024. His tenure saw significant improvements in hospital operations, earning praise from staff and the general public.
Through various governance, operational, staff welfare, and patient-centred reforms, he nearly doubled the hospital’s Internally Generated Funds (IGF), increasing from GHC 115.8 million in 2022 to GHC 222.6 million in 2024.
The increased revenue enabled large-scale investments, including infrastructure upgrades, retooling, and welfare initiatives. For instance, the hospital’s Dialysis Unit expanded its number of machines from 2 to 20, significantly improving access to specialist services.
Other major projects included the renovation of the Main Theatre at a cost of GHC 4.4 million, an upgrade of the Physiotherapy Unit (GHC 1.6 million), and the ongoing construction of a GHC 43 million Pharmacy Complex, all funded through IGF.
He also introduced a weekend and holiday duty system for Directors and Deputy Directors, ensuring consistent executive oversight, a measure that addressed weak supervision on non-working days.
Prof. Addai-Mensah leveraged his personal and professional networks to mobilise millions of Ghana cedis in support of hospital operations and patient care. Notable donations included medical equipment from his church, the Officers’ Mess Squash Club, and the Tennis Club in Kumasi.
Among other impactful changes, he abolished fees for patients using public toilets at the hospital and launched a courier service in partnership with Ghana Post to deliver refill medications to chronic but stable patients, sparing them frequent hospital visits.
Additionally, he increased the annual staff medical allowance from GHC 3,000 to GHC 4,000, the first adjustment in over a decade and integrated it into the hospital’s electronic medical records system. This led to a sharp rise in benefits disbursed, from GHC 750,000 in 2022 to nearly GHC 4 million in 2024.
His tenure also saw a facelift of several hospital blocks through private sector support from Neuce Paints, Alex Nuamah Enterprise, Osons Chemists, and others. Beneficiary units included the Doctors’ Flats, ENT Block, Kitchen/Canteen, Breast Centre, Laundry Unit, and Nurses’ Blocks.
Under his leadership and with Board approval, the hospital acquired a new Toyota minibus and two Mitsubishi pick-up trucks (GHC 2.6 million), along with a Toyota Land Cruiser from the Ministry of Health to address transportation challenges.
Prof. Addai-Mensah’s tenure is widely regarded as transformative, evident in the spontaneous standing ovation he received from staff during his farewell event.