The Minority in Parliament has praised Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for leading the ‘Heal Komfo Anokye’ initiative, an effort to raise $10 million for the renovation of the 70-year-old Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH).
The group expressed gratitude to Otumfuo for mobilizing resources to address the pressing need, emphasizing the initiative’s visionary nature and its significance in enhancing healthcare infrastructure.
Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Ranking Member addressing journalists on behalf of the Minority Caucus on the Health Committee, stated that they were not surprised by Otumfuo’s actions.
He cited the abandonment of the 500-bed, 138 million euro Komfo Anokye maternity block project, promised to be completed by President Akufo Addo five years ago, as a demonstration of unfulfilled commitments.
“We call on the government to reassess its priorities and recommit to the completion of critical healthcare infrastructure projects,” Akandoh appealed.
He listed several projects, including the Komfo Anokye maternity block, the Military Hospital at Afari, the Regional Hospital in Sewua, Kumawu District Hospital, La General Hospital, the Agenda 111 project, and numerous abandoned hospitals across the country.
Expressing deep concern over the deteriorating state of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, the Minority drew attention to the alarming conditions observed in health facilities nationwide.
The preliminary 2023 Harmonized Health Facility Assessment report revealed that only 15% of national hospitals undergo routine maintenance for infrastructure.
Akandoh stressed the need for prioritizing the health and well-being of citizens, urging the government to uphold its responsibility in ensuring all healthcare facilities meet the required standards.
He expressed a growing realization among Ghanaians that they can no longer depend on the Akufo-Addo government for hospital maintenance, infrastructure, and equipment.
“In the face of abandonment and disillusion due to the gross negligence and dereliction of duty by the Akufo-Addo government, Otumfuo has risen to the occasion by mobilizing resources for this critical need. We want to congratulate Otumfuo and call on other chiefs to emulate his stellar example,” Akandoh added.
Established in 1954, KATH serves as a referral center for 12 out of the 16 regions, evolving into a crucial teaching hospital symbolizing hope and medical excellence.
The Minority encouraged citizens, businesses, and philanthropic organizations to support Otumfuo’s ‘Heal Komfo Anokye’ initiative, emphasizing the potential for a meaningful impact on healthcare excellence.