The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, last Friday, threw a lifeline under an initiative to provide for the comprehensive renovation of the 70-year-old in-patient wards at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (
).
He intends to raise US$10 million for the proposed project, dubbed “”Heal Komfo Anokye Project”, being implemented by a team of volunteers, made up of an architect, a real estate developer, and marketing and brands communication specialists among other experts.
The main blocks at KATH, popularly referred to as “Blocks A, B, C and D”, are expected to be renovated at US$10 million under the project as part of the legacy projects marking the 25th Anniversary celebration of the enstoolment of the Asantehene next year.
Launching the project, Otumfuo Osei Tutu observed that the rate of deterioration at the health facility, which serves as a referral centre for about 12 regions, was an eyesore, and that Corporate Ghana, Ghanaians, individuals and residents were duty bound to ensure its renovation devoid of politics, because the facility served all Ghanaians.
The Ashanti Overlord charged Members of Parliament, churches, commercial entities, financial institutions, groups, households and individuals to take up the challenge and contribute generously towards a worthy cause.
Hardly has the King ended his appeal than he received a positive response of donations and contributions of all magnitude dropping into available accounts for the facelift drive.
Justice Amoh, Managing Director (MD) of Justmoh Constructions, has opted to renovate one of the four blocks from his own resources, while Mr. Isaac Owusu of Isaac Stationary and Group of Companies would renovate one floor of any of the blocks.
A Kumasi businessman, J.K. Agyeman, has offered a whole Secretariat for the Project Team, which is duly furnished by Andy Sarp Furniture Company, while Fidelity Bank Ghana sponsored the launching ceremony.
Some of the contributors included the Kumasi Traditional Council (GH¢1 million); Unijay Fashions (GH¢1 million); Managing Director of State Insurance Company (SIC) (GH¢200,000); Prophet Kofi Amponsah of House of Ezra (GH¢300,000); Dr. Henry Kokofu, Executive Director of EPA ($10,000); Ashanti MP Caucus (GH¢100,000); Ghana Oil Company (GH¢200,000); Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (GH¢100,000); MP for Asawase, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka (GH¢110,000); Lawyer Kwame Osei Prempeh (GH¢100,000); Yaw Osei Adutwum (GH¢140,000); Nana Aboagye Asare ($10,000) and US-based United Ghana Empire (GH¢200,000).
Other contributions are Francis Asenso-Boakye, MP for Bantama (GH¢100,000); Nana Kwadwo Gyasi (GH¢50,000), MP for Nhyieaso, Stephen Amoah (GH¢50,000), Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah (GH¢50,000); Millennium Excellence Foundation (GH¢50,000); MP for Oforikrom, Dr. Emmanuel K. Marfo (GH¢50,000) and Kumasi Central Market, Race Course, Suame market Traders (GH¢50,000).
The rest are Adelaide Ntim, MP for Nsuta (GH¢30,000); Dr. Grace Boadu (GH¢10,000); Ashanti Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (GH¢10,000); Sly (GH¢10,000); Kumasi Mayor Samuel Pyne (GH¢20,000); Deputy Minister of Lands, Benito Bio (GH¢15,000); Tepamanhene, Nana Adusei Atwenewaa Ampem (GH¢20,000); Appiah Stadium and Kwabena Nyame of NDC and NPP respectively jointly donated GH¢5,000 while Francis Manu Adabor, MP for Ahafo Ano South East contributed, GH¢500.
Mr. Samuel Adu-Boakye, Chairman of the “Heal Komfo Anokye Project”, announced that a Wall of Honour would be mounted at the hospital premises to list all contributors in appreciation of their support to the project.
He described Otumfuo’s mission and vision as a bold step for which initiative demanded the support of all.
The project Chairman stressed that the health facility was sick and in dire need of help, and urged all and sundry to contribute generously towards it.
Mr. Adu-Boakye said contributions should not be seen as a burden, but rather an opportunity to help and ensure that people accessed quality healthcare while KATH was resuscitated.
The Board Chairman of KATH, Ambassador Nana Effa Apenteng, thanked Otumfuo for lifting a heavy burden from the Board and management of KATH, as the cost of maintenance had been exerting unbearable pressure on the management of the hospital.
The Chief Executive Officer of KATH, Prof. Otchere Addai-Mensah, commended Otumfuo Osei Tutu for his uncommon leadership, vision and bravery, and ensuring that the project, which had been on the drawing board for the past 15 years had seen the light of day.
He noted that persistent over-utilisation of the facility over 70 years had contributed to the deterioration beyond maintenance and could suffer if no intervention came handy.
Meanwhile, Dr. Justice Thomas Ebo, representing the Ministry of Health, described the “Heal KATH” project as a ray of hope, and not merely a facelift. He said it embodied hope and profound commitment, and said the Minister of Health was content with partnerships for healthcare to impact on the country.
