Healing Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital; The King’s cry, the people respond
Today, in Kumasi, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is beginning his ‘healing’ process of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH).
Expectations are high, as His Majesty launches an initiative to raise $10 million to renovate the 70-year-old hospital, which has been deprived of the needed renovation since its construction in 1954.
An inscription on one of the flyers for the event says, “The King’s cry, the people respond”. This is true because many see the King’s initiative as a laudable venture, which needs all the support to materialize.
Public advocacy
In August, His Majesty decided to spearhead the fundraising project when a group from the hospital, led by its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Prof Otchere Addai-Mensah, presented the technical and financial proposal to guide the comprehensive renovation of the dilapidated blocks.
Otumfuo set out to court the support of the public for his initiative when a delegation from Memphis, Tennessee, USA joined him for the celebration of Akwasidae festival on October 15, 2023.
The King informed them about his quest to raise the amount with the view to resuscitating the hospital. Briefing the delegation, Oheneba Boachie-Adjei, Otumfuo Hiahene, said, “His Majesty has a special request and this is dear to his heart. It has to do with Komfo Anokye, the great high priest in Kumasi, named after the teaching hospital which was built 70 years ago. It is in dire need of renovation. He has organised a team to raise $10 million to renovate the hospital wards and the extension. You can put it on your agenda so that when you get back, you get your colleagues to support.”
Timeline for completion
According to the project details, the timeline for completion of the proposed renovation works for the wards will depend on various factors such as funding, procurement of materials, and the scope of work to be done.
However, the engineering and system consultants have provided an estimated timeline for completion of the project.
Based on their assessment, the consultants estimate that the project will take between 18 to 24 months to complete, based on the complexity of the work to be done.
The proposed solutions will require significant construction works, including the replacement of old structures, installation of new systems, and the refurbishment of existing ones. This will require careful planning and coordination to ensure that the project is completed as scheduled.
