By Yussif Ibrahim
Kumasi, May 28, GNA – A high-level delegation from the United Kingdom (U.K.) led by its Trade Envoy to Ghana, Ms. Bellavia Janet Ribeiro-Addy, has visited the construction site of the ongoing maternity and children’s block at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi.
The team was at the facility to assess the progress of work on the landmark 138.5 million-Euro healthcare infrastructure, aimed at boosting maternal and child healthcare delivery in the Ashanti Region and beyond.
Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo, the acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of KATH, received the delegation which included officials from the UK Department for Business and Trade and representatives of British Companies involved in the health infrastructure sector.
The visit formed part of efforts to strengthen U.K.-Ghana trade relations, particularly in the area of healthcare and infrastructure development, and to explore further avenues of collaboration and investment.
Ms. Ribeiro-Addy, speaking during the inspection tour, expressed satisfaction with the progress of work on the project and reaffirmed the U.K. government’s commitment to supporting Ghana in achieving its healthcare development goals.
“We are impressed by the scope and ambition of the Maternity and Children’s block project. Projects like this do not only save lives but also strengthen bilateral relations through sustainable partnerships”, she submitted.
The 508-bed Maternity and Children’s Block, which has faced years of delay since construction first began, was reactivated with funding support from the government of Ghana.
Once completed, it is expected to significantly reduce congestion at the hospital, enhance specialist service delivery, and serve as a major referral centre for maternal and paediatric care and training in the northern sector of the country.
Dr. Baidoo thanked the U.K. government for its continued support for the project and highlighted the critical role of international partnerships in transforming Ghana’s healthcare landscape.
“Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital serves millions across the country, and the completion of this facility is central to our mission of providing quality specialised care,” he noted.
He added that, “We are grateful for the U.K. government’s interest and support, and we look forward to further collaboration in ensuring its completion as soon as possible.”
Mr. Emmanuel Fobi Asabere, the Project Manager, revealed that delayed payments to the contractor had slowed down the pace of work in recent months but was hopeful that it could be fully completed and made operational in 18 months’ time if the funding challenge was fully addressed.
GNA
Edited by YI/Kenneth Odeng Adade