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Tag: Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital

  • KATH strike enters day 4 despite mounting calls to end industrial action

    KATH strike enters day 4 despite mounting calls to end industrial action

    Strike at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) has entered its fourth day despite mounting calls for an immediate end to the industrial action.

    Several patients who have traveled from different parts of the country have been rendered helpless as doctors and nurses refuse to attend to them.

    The ongoing strike by health workers at the facility is in protest against the suspension of the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Paa Kwesi Baidoo.

    On Friday, June 5, the Ministry of Health suspended the CEO for two weeks to allow for an independent investigation into the temporary closure of the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Centre, to ensure accountability and clarity regarding the decision to shut down the 37-bed emergency facility.

    The Health Ministry, through an official letter from the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, to the hospital’s Board, announced the CEO’s suspension, citing Section 36(1) of the Ghana Health Service and Teaching Hospitals Act, 1996 (Act 526).


    Section 36(1) of the Ghana Health Service and Teaching Hospitals Act, 1996 (Act 526) places a clear limitation on the powers of Teaching Hospital Boards; they cannot take decisions or perform functions that contradict directives issued by the Minister of Health or the Ghana Health Service Council.


    The Ministry has also appealed to health professionals at the hospital to return to duty, warning that the disruption is affecting vulnerable patients who rely on the facility for critical care.

    However, doctors and nurses at KATH are reportedly maintaining their position, leaving large numbers of patients stranded at the OPD.


    JOY NEWS’ report from the hospital described scenes of confusion as patients waited for hours without being attended to.
    Meanwhile, the Health Workers Union of the Trades Union Congress (TUC-Ghana), KATH branch, has issued a statement backing the stance of the medical staff, further complicating efforts to restore normal operations.


    Authorities have yet to indicate when full services are expected to resume, as pressure mounts on all sides to resolve the impasse and restore healthcare delivery at the facility.

    Meanwhile, the Health Ministry has noted that the decision to suspend the CEO wasn’t taken overnight. In a press statement, it added that the move was taken in the interest of institutional accountability, patient safety, and the need to uphold administrative discipline within the health sector.

    Part of the statement read, “The decision to suspend the CEO of KATH, who is an appointee of HE the President, John Dramani Mahama, was carefully considered and taken in the interest of institutional accountability, patient safety, and the need to uphold administrative discipline within the health sector.”


    Background


    On Wednesday, June 3, the Health Ministry summoned the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Dr Paa Kwesi Baidoo, over a notice of congestion at the hospital’s Accident and Emergency (A&E) Centre, which has led to a growing number of referrals from other medical facilities.


    However, following widespread reports of the situation, the Health Ministry issued a query to the CEO of the Kumasi-based health facility to explain what it described as an attempt to disregard the President’s directive to hospitals not to turn away emergency cases.


    In response to the Health Ministry’s query to the KATH CEO, the Komfo Anokye Doctors’ Association (KADA), in a rejoinder dated June 4, defended the CEO, describing the move as knee-jerk.


    The Association urged authorities to focus on addressing the systemic challenges confronting the hospital rather than assigning blame.


    “We are therefore concerned that the issuance of a query to the Chief Executive Officer appears to be a knee-jerk response to a crisis rather than addressing the underlying systemic challenges that precipitated the situation,” parts of the statement read.


    The Association dismissed claims that patients were denied treatment, stating that management’s decision to redirect some cases through other health facilities was necessary to prevent overcrowding and avoid risking patients’ lives.


    “Allowing more patients into an already overstretched emergency facility would have compromised quality care and endangered lives.


    “Management’s decision to liaise with nearby hospitals and temporarily redirect patients was a responsible measure aimed at ensuring patient safety and continuity of care, rather than a refusal to provide healthcare services,” the statement added.


    Consequently, KADA urged that efforts to protect patient safety deserve recognition and called on authorities to avoid making premature judgments without a proper review of available reports.


    “The healthcare professionals of KATH believe that leaders who take difficult but necessary decisions in the interest of patient safety should be supported and engaged constructively rather than publicly subjected to disciplinary processes without a comprehensive review of the prevailing circumstances,” the statement continued.

  • Road accidents account for over one-third of emergency cases at KATH – Report

    Road accidents account for over one-third of emergency cases at KATH – Report

    Over one-third of emergency cases at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) have been linked to road crashes, according to statistics from the facility.

    Speaking to the media, Deputy Medical Director of KATH, Dr. Yaw Opare Larbi noted that road crash victims brought to the emergency unit often do not survive because their injuries are very severe.

    “A little over 30 per cent of the cases that come to this facility, this Accident and Emergency Unit, are due to accidents, and most of the accidents, a few are domestic, but the majority of them are road traffic accidents.

    “Now in Ghana, we know that our statistics, a lot of our road accidents are from errors, driver errors, pedestrian errors. And then we know that we have some percentage that is attributable to maybe things like faulty vehicles or maybe road conditions, but a lot of the accidents are preventable,” he stated.
    Ghana has reported a surge in the number of fatalities recorded due to road crashes. In the first half of 2025, the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) reported one thousand, five hundred and four (1,504) deaths, compared to one thousand, two hundred and thirty-seven (1,237) fatalities reported in the corresponding period in 2024, representing a 21.58 percent increase.
    According to provisional data released by the National Road Safety Authority in collaboration with the Police Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), a total of 7,289 road crashes were recorded between January and June this year.
    Per the data, a total of twelve thousand, three hundred and fifty-four (12,354) vehicles were involved in the road crashes. Owing to the road accidents, a total of eight thousand three hundred (8,300) individuals sustained injuries.
    Also, one thousand, three hundred and one (1,301) pedestrians were knocked down across the country. According to the recent data provided by the National Road Safety Authority, on average, eight (8) lives are lost every day due to road crashes.
    Each day, forty (40) road crashes are recorded, and forty-six (46) individuals sustain injuries. Daily, sixty-nine (69) vehicles and motorcycles are involved in road crashes. To aid in combating road crashes, the National Road Safety Authority has called for stern enforcement of traffic regulations and public education.
    The NRSA has called for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and increased public education to help curb the rising number of road accidents across the country. The Road Traffic Act 2004, an Act to consolidate and revise the Road Traffic Ordinance, 1952 (No. 55), provides for a more comprehensive regulation of road traffic and road use, to ensure safety on the roads and to provide for related matters.
    A person who drives a motor vehicle dangerously on a road commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction, (a) where (i) a bodily injury does not occur, or (ii) a minor bodily injury does occur, to a person, other than the driver, to a fine not less than one hundred penalty units and not exceeding two hundred penalty units or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding nine months or to both the fine and imprisonment.
    (b) Where bodily injury of an aggravated nature occurs to a person, other than the driver, to a minimum fine of two hundred penalty units and not exceeding five hundred penalty units or to a term of imprisonment of not less than twelve months and not exceeding two years or to both the fine and the imprisonment; or (c) where death occurs, to a term of imprisonment for a term of not less than three years.
    (d) Where there is damage to state property, to a fine of not less than one hundred penalty units and payment for the damage caused in an amount determined by the Court.
    The Court may, on the conviction of a person under subsection (1), (a) order the payment of appropriate compensation to an injured person or to the estate of that person, or (b) order the withdrawal of the license for a period of not less than three years and not more than five years.
    A person who drives a motor vehicle on a road without due care and attention, or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road, commits an offense and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding two thousand penalty units or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding five years or to both the fine and the imprisonment.
    A person commits an offense if without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, that person, (a) causes anything to be on or over a road, (b) interferes with a motor vehicle, trailer or cycle, or (c) interferes, directly or indirectly, with traffic equipment, where that it would be obvious to a reasonable person that to do so would be dangerous.
    A person who commits an offense under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding two hundred and fifty penalty units or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding twelve months or to both the fine and the imprisonment.

  • Certiorari application against KATH dismissed by Supreme Court

    Certiorari application against KATH dismissed by Supreme Court

    The Supreme Court of Ghana dismissed a certiorari application from Kwame Adofo, the former lawyer of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi, on Tuesday, October 15, 2024.

    The court also imposed a cost of GH¢20,000 on Adofo for what it deemed a frivolous application that wasted the court’s time.

    While still under contract with KATH, Adofo launched several attacks against the hospital and its Chief Executive, prompting the management to report his unprofessional behavior to the General Legal Council for investigation and possible sanctions.

    Despite this complaint, he continued to tarnish the hospital’s reputation by leaking confidential information, violating the confidentiality agreement he had signed as its legal counsel.

    As a result of his actions, KATH decided to sue Adofo in the High Court for damages, citing his breach of trust and the disclosure of sensitive information obtained through his role as their lawyer.

    Instead of filing a defense to the lawsuit, Adofo filed a frivolous application claiming the High Court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case since his conduct was already under review by the General Legal Council.

    The High Court dismissed his application, ruling against him and awarding costs. Following this, Adofo escalated the matter to the Supreme Court, which ultimately deemed his case frivolous and detrimental to the legal process. The Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital was represented in court by its current attorney, Nana Freduah Agyeman Osborn.

  • NPP has significantly developed Ashanti Region – Isaac Osei

    NPP has significantly developed Ashanti Region – Isaac Osei

    Former Ghana High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr. Isaac Osei, has refuted claims that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration has neglected development in the Ashanti Region.

    Dr. Isaac Osei, a former Member of Parliament for Subin, asserted that the NPP has spearheaded more development projects in the Ashanti Region than any other political party.

    Addressing journalists in the Ashanti Region, Dr. Isaac Osei emphasized that the NPP has made significant strides in the region and continues to implement crucial projects.

    “The government of President Akufo-Addo and Dr. Bawumia has done a lot in the Ashanti region and all over the place. Whether you are talking about infrastructure or whether you are talking about the number of people who have passed through school as a result of the new policy on education by the government, it is obvious that this government has done great things here.

    “The recent opening of the airport, for example, is a sure example of what the government wants to do here. The work that is going on at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.

    “This government, I think, has been fantastic for the people of Ashanti. We know that it is not just Ashanti. All over the country, the NPP is going to work and work very hard to ensure that we deliver a victory for the NPP and that we have Dr Bawumia as our next president.”

  • 3-year-old child who lost his life in accident involving LilWin laid to rest

    3-year-old child who lost his life in accident involving LilWin laid to rest

    Three-year-old Nana Yaw, who tragically lost his life in a car crash involving Ghanaian actor Kwadwo Nkansah, popularly known as Lil Win, has been laid to rest.

    The incident occurred when Lil Win, allegedly driving at high speed, collided with a vehicle carrying Nana Yaw and his father, Jacob Kofi Ampomah.

    Both were initially taken to a nearby hospital and later transferred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, where the young boy succumbed to his injuries.

    Mr. Ampomah, who sustained a leg fracture, received treatment at the hospital’s emergency unit.

    The severely damaged vehicle is currently in police custody as part of the ongoing investigation.

    A family member of the deceased expressed frustration in an interview with an Accra-based station, noting the lack of immediate attention given to the victims at the scene, with the focus instead being on the actor.

    The family is considering legal action.

    The crash occurred as Lil Win was en route to the premiere of his movie, ‘A Country Called Ghana,’ in Kumasi.

    The actor has since expressed gratitude for his survival and made a public statement about the accident at the movie premiere, just hours after the tragic event.

    See pictures below:

  • Family of deceased boy involved in LilWin’s car crash speaks

    Family of deceased boy involved in LilWin’s car crash speaks

    Victoria Nketiah, a relative of Tawiah Ampomah, the three-year-old who tragically died in a car accident involving Kwadwo Nkansah, known as LilWin, has shared details about the incident that has garnered significant public attention.

    Victoria, related to the driver whose vehicle collided with LilWin’s car, revealed that her in-law and his son were in the front seat at the time of the accident.

    The child sustained severe injuries and was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.

    Currently, her in-law is in critical condition and receiving treatment at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi.

    “Tawiah Ampomah passed away on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at the hospital, and his father remains in critical condition at KATH,” Victoria explained during an interview with Angel FM.

    She added that the family, accompanied by the police, had visited the morgue to view the boy’s body.

    Victoria also mentioned that the police investigation is still ongoing, and the matter has yet to be amicably resolved.

    LilWin’s management team has reached out to the family to offer their support, according to Victoria.

    “The police haven’t updated us on their accident investigation. Our concern is that the child was overlooked when the incident happened, as everyone focused on LilWin. The media, too, has prioritized LilWin over addressing the child’s death and finding solutions,” she said.

    “LilWin’s management visited the hospital to discuss supporting the family. We’ve asked them to wait until the police investigation concludes.”

    The accident occurred on May 25, 2024, in front of Grace Baptist Church at Amakom in Kumasi.

    LilWin and two others were injured when their Benz collided head-on with another vehicle.

    All injured parties, including LilWin, were taken to KATH’s Accident and Emergency Unit.

    Eyewitnesses reported that LilWin, who sustained minor injuries, was undergoing medical treatment.

    Despite his injuries, LilWin attended the premiere of his new movie, “A Country Called Ghana,” at the KNUST CCB Auditorium later that day.

    Police investigations are ongoing to resolve the case and determine the accident’s causes.

  • Bawumia allocates GHS1m to speed up clearance process for KATH project items at Tema Port

    Bawumia allocates GHS1m to speed up clearance process for KATH project items at Tema Port

    In a bid to support the ongoing renovation efforts at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has taken steps to expedite the clearance of crucial construction materials from the Tema Harbour.

    The shipment, which includes vital imported tiles necessary for the project, had been facing delays at the port, resulting in additional demurrage fees and impeding progress.

    With the import duty for ten containers of tiles totaling over GH¢1.7 million, there was a looming risk of indefinite project delays.

    Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Dr. Bawumia intervened by contributing GH¢1 million towards clearing the duty, ensuring the seamless continuation of this crucial hospital renovation.

    The ‘Heal Komfo Anokye’ project, a joint initiative launched by the Asantehene in collaboration with KATH, aims to raise $10 million for the comprehensive refurbishment of Blocks A, B, C, and D within the hospital.

    This initiative holds particular significance as it coincides with the 25th anniversary of the enstoolment of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and is poised to revitalize the nearly seven-decade-old tertiary healthcare facility.

  • Doctors at KATH to lay down their tools today over accommodation issues

    Doctors at KATH to lay down their tools today over accommodation issues

    Doctors at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) are poised to initiate an indefinite strike commencing today, Wednesday, March 13, due to housing concerns.

    According to the leadership of the Association, members are facing eviction from their bungalows, which have purportedly been sold off.

    The Ashanti Regional President of the Ghana Medical Association, Dr. Paa Kwasi Baidoo, expressed disappointment at the abrupt displacement of hospital staff from their residences in an interview with Citi News.

    He highlighted a prior agreement with Manhyia Palace for new accommodations before the land was transferred.

    However, this agreement has allegedly been ignored.”You will notice that a lot of our staff live 15 to 20 minutes away from the hospital and all of a sudden, people will come and ask you to move from your place because it has been sold to them and we took that issue up and we met with Manhyia on it, and it was agreed that a new place be prepared to move us there before you can take possession of the land. They have disregarded that with impunity and so we are meeting this morning.”

    “We will all leave the hospital to go and look for accommodation because we don’t have a place to sleep.”Despite the Ashanti Regional Minister’s announcement of plans to relocate all government workers residing within a state lands enclave around Danyame and Nhyiaeso, the doctors insist they will proceed with the strike until an immediate solution is implemented.

  • KATH introduces ‘revolutionary’ stroke treatment ; indicates treatment cost of GH₵15,000

    KATH introduces ‘revolutionary’ stroke treatment ; indicates treatment cost of GH₵15,000

    The Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) has witnessed a staggering increase in stroke cases, with admissions surging from 200 to over a thousand annually over the past four decades.

    The prevalent cardiovascular disease has prompted the introduction of a groundbreaking time-bound treatment, active stroke thrombolysis, aimed at dissolving clots obstructing blood flow to the brain.

    The newly implemented thrombolysis services administer drugs and medication to dissolve blood clots during an acute ischemic stroke, offering a revolutionary approach to stroke treatment.

    Dr. Fred Stephen Sarfo, Consultant Neurologist at KATH, emphasised that this innovative treatment seeks to dissolve clots, restoring blood flow to the brain and potentially curing the stroke.

    “This is revolutionary and will change the stroke treatment landscape,” Dr. Sarfo declared.

    He highlighted the potential for this treatment to significantly reduce paralysis and disability, contrasting it with past limitations in stroke care.

    “This one almost cures the stroke so the person doesn’t have to deal with paralysis and disability.

    “The approximate cost is about GH₵15,000 for treatment to be given and highly standardized and subsided at the Komfo Anokye,” he said.

    Prof. Dr. Otchere Addai-Mensah, CEO of KATH, underscored the hospital‘s commitment to optimizing tertiary healthcare through innovation and research, urging stakeholders and the general public to act swiftly in admitting stroke patients for this specialized service.

    “In line with the hospital’s new strategy to optimise the delivery of tertiary healthcare through innovation and research, the management has supported the KATH Multidisciplinary Stroke Thrombolysis Team to commence the delivery of this special service to save stroke patients brought in time to this hospital from suffering the worst possible impact of the disease.

    “I will, therefore, enjoin all stakeholders, especially the peripheral hospitals and, indeed, members of the general public, to act with speed in getting stroke patients quickly admitted at KATH for this service,” he said

    The Deputy Regional Director of Clinic Care, Ghana Health Service, Rita Larsen-Reindolf, expressed support for the initiative, emphasising the need for awareness and public education to address the increasing prevalence of strokes.

    She pledged the readiness of the health service to champion this challenge and collaborate with KATH in advancing stroke care.

    “For the immediate terms, awareness and public education are what we can capitalize on,” she added.

  • Diana Hamilton, Enterprise Life supports KATH renovation with GHC20,000

    Diana Hamilton, Enterprise Life supports KATH renovation with GHC20,000

    Diana Hamilton and Enterprise Life have contributed GHS20,000 towards the Asantehene’s initiative to renovate the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.

    She made the donation during her visit to the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.

    On his part, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, showed appreciation and praised Diana Antwi Hamilton for her musical talent and contributions to the Ghanaian gospel music industry.

    The Asantehene encouraged Diana Hamilton to remain dedicated and humble in her musical endeavors.

    Additionally, the Asantehene invited Diana Hamilton to perform at his upcoming 25th-anniversary celebration musical concert and birthday party.

    The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has declared his readiness to raise Ten Million United States Dollars (10,000,000.00 USD) towards the comprehensive renovation of the 70-year-old in-patient wards at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH).

    He said the ageing blocks which house the main wards of the hospital have never been renovated since their construction in 1955 and this was adversely impacting on the quality of in-patient care hence his decision to lead the drive for their refurbishment. 

    Otumfuo Osei Tutu II stated this when the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the hospital, Prof. Otchere Addai- Mensah, led the executives and members of the “Heal Komfo Anokye Project” team to present to the Asantehene the technical and financial proposal developed to guide the comprehensive renovation of the dilapidated blocks.

    The team is a volunteer group made up of an architect, a real estate developer, marketing and brands communication specialists among other experts who were commissioned by the KATH CEO to develop the master plan for the project. The renovation of the blocks, popularly referred to as “Blocks A, B, C and D”, is expected to be executed as part of the legacy projects marking the 25th Anniversary celebration of the enstoolment of the Asantehene.

  • Replace 200 nurses who left in 2023 – KATH CEO to govt

    Replace 200 nurses who left in 2023 – KATH CEO to govt

    The Chief Executive Officer of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Professor Otchere Addai-Mensah, has revealed that more than 200 nurses and other health professionals departed the hospital in 2023, negatively impacting its operations.

    During a facility tour with Finance Minister Mohammed Amin Adam, Professor Addai-Mensah urged the government to authorize the replacement of the departed staff for improved service delivery.

    “In the past year, we have had over 200 nurses leave Komfo Anokye. Every day, I have had to approve three to five applications for either leave of absence or resignation, mostly nurses, radiographers, and medical laboratory scientists, and so we are praying that we should be allowed to replace these people who are leaving so that we can continue with the care that we are supposed to be giving to our patients.”

    The hospital is also grappling with a severe equipment deficit, prompting a plea from the CEO for the government to commit to retooling various departments.

    “One of the major things we are facing is the retooling of the hospital. We are aware of the difficulties that the government has had concerning COVID-19 and others. Still, we believe that it is also possible for some help to be extended [to us] as far as retooling is concerned, especially given the fact that we are serving twelve regions.”

  • Kumasi South Hospital staff oppose former posting of ex-KATH CEO

    Kumasi South Hospital staff oppose former posting of ex-KATH CEO

    Employees of the Health Services Workers Union at Kumasi South Hospital have expressed strong opposition to the appointment of Dr. Oheneba Owusu Danso, a former Chief Executive Officer of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), to their institution.

    A communication from the Director General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Patrick Kumah Aboagye, revealed the decision to assign Dr. Oheneba Owusu Danso to a two-year contract as a Consultant specializing in Plastic, Reconstructive, and Hand Surgery at Kumasi South Hospital.

    Although the official notice has not yet reached the hospital’s management, certain staff members have raised concerns regarding the appointment of the former KATH CEO.

    Joshua Lawrence Nii Adu Arday, the Vice Chairman of the Health Services Workers Union at Kumasi South Hospital, stated their intention to resist the appointment, citing reservations about Dr. Oheneba Owusu Danso’s suitability for the role.

    “We’ve heard reports, even on social media, about Dr. Oheneba Owusu Danso’s potential transfer to Kumasi South Hospital. If these reports are accurate, then we are not in favor of his appointment. He is a plastic surgeon, and we question his relevance here. We have capable individuals who can manage the affairs of this hospital. Furthermore, he is 65 years old. What exactly is his purpose in coming here?”

    Mr Arday clarified that their opposition is not against the government’s aim of increasing staff numbers at the hospital.

  • Agogo Hospital workers threaten protest over CEO’s reappointment

    Agogo Hospital workers threaten protest over CEO’s reappointment

    Agogo Hospital which is serving as the Ashanti regional hospital in Kumasi, is experiencing a rise in tension due to the reappointment of Dr. Oheneba Owusu-Danso.

    Dr. Owusu-Danso previously held the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH).

    In 2017, President Akufo Addo appointed Dr. Oheneba Owusu-Danso as the acting CEO of the Teaching Hospital.

    He was subsequently confirmed as the CEO for the facility with a four-year mandate to oversee the day-to-day operations of Ghana’s second premier health center.

    Upon the completion of his initial four-year term, Dr. Owusu-Danso’s service was extended by an additional two years, culminating in 2022.

    Following his retirement, the government appointed Prof. Dr. Dr. Ochere Addai Mensah, the former Dean of Students at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), to succeed him.

    The reappointment of Dr. Owusu-Danso has triggered tensions within Agogo South Hospital.

  • Mintah Akando still hospitalised after nearly fatal accident 

    Mintah Akando still hospitalised after nearly fatal accident 

    Member of Parliament for Juaboso, Kwabena Minta Akando, is improving in health after being held in detention at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital for three days.

    “He has been admitted for further observation and examination under the instructions of medics who saw to him,” A credible source at the hospital told Ultimate News,’ Ivan Heathcote – Fumador.

    “Accidents might not result in open injuries but there could be internal issues. The medical doctors have recommended that he remains under observation,” he stated.

    According to the hospital, it was unlikely the ranking member on Parliament’s health committee will be discharged on Monday as his medical doctor has not yet given that indication.

    While returning from his constituency, the Member of Parliament was in a car accident on the Kumasi-Nyinahin road.

    According to reports, the driver of the MP’s official vehicle with registration number GN 441-14 experienced a burst tire and subsequently swerved into the path of an oncoming 207 Benz bus while attempting to overtake another vehicle.

    The lawmaker, along with his driver and bodyguard, were taken to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, while the other individuals who were injured in the minibus were admitted to the Nyinahin Government Hospital.

  • KATH surgeons successfully correct complex limb malformation on 5-month-old baby

    KATH surgeons successfully correct complex limb malformation on 5-month-old baby

    In a remarkable display of medical expertise, a multidisciplinary team comprising surgeons, anaesthesiologists, paediatricians, and nurses, led by Dr Dominic Konadu-Yeboah, Senior Specialist in Trauma and Orthopaedics, carried out a six-hour procedure to address a challenging congenital limb abnormality known as polymelia in a five-month-old infant.

    The procedure took place at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) after the hospital was contacted four hours following the baby’s caesarean section delivery at a district hospital.

    The infant suffered from multiple health conditions, including polymelia, anorectal malformation, genital fistula, eye vision impairment, and improper location of the right kidney.

    Polymelia is a rare limb deformity characterized by the presence of extra or supernumerary limbs attached to a portion of the body.

    It affects approximately 6 out of every 10,000 live newborns. Although occurrences mainly involve the lower limbs, there have been a few recorded cases. The condition is believed to result from the inadequate separation of identical twins in the womb during fetal development. When the additional limbs are attached to the pelvis, it is referred to as pyromelia.

    Dr. Konadu-Yeboah highlighted that the parents were extensively informed about the baby’s condition before the surgery, praising the team’s extraordinary achievement. Additionally, a group of professionals provided psychological counselling to the family, addressing the surgery, its outcomes, and potential side effects.

    The complex surgical repair procedure took place on February 20, 2023, following five months of intensive preparations and pre-operative investigations, including Computer Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), echo, and ultrasound scans to identify any associated abnormalities.

    Dr. Konadu-Yeboah stated, “The immediate and intermediate postoperative periods have been managed without any complications, and the baby is steadily recovering as expected. Further minor procedures and surgical interventions will be conducted to completely restore normal functioning to the baby.”

    Previously, infants with similar conditions were either abandoned or left to perish, according to Dr. Konadu-Yeboah.

    However, he emphasized that immediate specialized interventions offer these infants a chance to live normal lives, given the present medical knowledge available at KATH and in the nation.

    The baby’s parents expressed their satisfaction with the results thus far, praising the surgical team and all the staff members involved in their child’s successful operation.

    Members of the multidisciplinary team included trauma and orthopaedic surgeons Dr. Obiageli Joan Ofungwu, Johnny Sobotie, Kwasi Twumasi-Baah Jr., and Samuel Twene Boadi, alongside pediatric surgeons, anesthesiologists, pediatricians, nurses, and other specialists. Notable contributors to the team included Drs. Boateng Nimako, Prof. Paul Poku Sampene Ossei, Drs. Ebenezer Akomea-Agyin, Anthony Davor, George Osei Prempeh, Sophia Ankrah, Yaw Asiedu Basoah, Gabriel Asante, Abigail Opoku, and Yaw Asiedu Basoah.

    Other esteemed members of the KATH faculty, who played crucial roles, were Drs. Michael Amoah, Lynda Akalazu Ogechi, Zulfawu Ibrahim, Helena Okrah, and Seth Agyemang.

    Prof. Otchere Addai-Mensah, the hospital’s CEO, praised Dr. Konadu-Yeboah and the entire team for their successful execution of such a complex surgery. He highlighted that this accomplishment showcases the power of teamwork and urged all clinical director.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Local Govt Minister elated about completion of DACF administrator office block

    Local Govt Minister elated about completion of DACF administrator office block

    Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development, Daniel Botwe, has lauded the Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), Mrs. Irene Addo Lartey, for completing an office block for the Local Government Service.

    Provision of the edifice, he said, is in line with Government’s agenda to deepen decentralization in response to Article 20 of the Constitution.

    The Service, he said, is being equipped with the necessary facilities to enable it to accomplish its obligations.

    These remarks were contained in a solidarity message delivered on behalf of the Minister at the commissioning of the new office block for the Office of the Head of the Local Government Service (OHLGS) on Wednesday 5th April 2023.

    Dan Botwe disclosed that since the establishment of the Local Government Service, one of its major challenges has been inadequate office accommodation.

    The Management and staff of the Office of the Head of the Local Government Service, he said, have had to operate from limited office accommodation over the years.

    He said, “It, therefore, comes as a relief to commission this ultramodern office facility, which is a result of the collaboration of the Ministry, the Office of the District Assembly Common Fund, and the Office of the Head of the Local Government Service.”

    “I commend, the Administrator, Mrs. Irene Addo Lartey for her special interest and effort in seeing to the completion of this edifice.”
    He urged the Head of Service, his Management, and his staff to put to good use the support government has provided by constructing the Office Block.

    He assured provision of the office accommodation should enable the Head of Service to deploy the appropriate human resource to perform to its maximum capacity.

    He also urged the staff of the Service to utilize the facility proficiently and to ensure efficient and effective service delivery.
    He expressed hope the Office Block will position the OHLGS to collaborate effectively with the Ministry to drive the decentralization Agenda.

    In his welcome address, the Head of the LGS, Ing. Dr. Nana Ato Arthur disclosed that one of the challenges the Service has had to deal with for the past years was limited space for staff to engage in their official business.
    He said a cursory walk through some of the offices of the OHLGS showed a picture of overcrowding and congestion, which had an adverse effect on the productivity of staff and did not also auger well for an institution that had the mandate of administrative decentralization in the country.

    According to him, although the need for additional office space was long overdue, the completion of the block brings great relief to him as Head and the OHLGS as a whole.

    “This new office block is a five-story building with features that have been designed to include interactive spaces for the comfort of staff and visitors alike.”

    “And it will surprise you to know that with the hard work of the Contractor, this project was completed within 20 months at a cost of GH¢30 million,” he disclosed.

    Dr. Ato Arthur thanked the government, the Minister, the DACF Administrator, the Contractor, the Consultant, and all who worked tirelessly toward the successful execution of the project.

  • How Komfo Anokye got the name ‘Gee’

    How Komfo Anokye got the name ‘Gee’

    Officially known as the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), it serves as the top medical facility in the Ashanti Region and is perhaps the second largest medical facility in the entire nation.

    The name of the hospital which was built in 1954, as it suggests is in honor of Komfo Anokye, the great priest who per history was instrumental in the rise of the Asante Kingdom.

    But whereas official documents and people outside Kumasi know the hospital as Komfo Anokye, the locals prefer to call it Gee.

    For most people in Kumasi, the name Gee rings a bell easier and faster than Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.

    The use of Gee as the alternative and perhaps more popular name for the hospital has triggered the inquisitiveness of many people who have been longing to know about the history behind it.

    GhanaWeb thus spoke to a site guide at the Komfo Anokye Hospital who detailed the story behind the use of ‘Gee’ as the moniker for the Ashanti Region’s premier hospital.

    “The word Gee is not the official name of the hospital. It is the name of one of the contractors who built the hospital. The name of the firm was Gee, Walker & Slater Ltd. Compared to Walker and Slater, Gee was more easy to pronounce so he was more known to the indigenes. That’s how come the name of the hospital is called Gee.”

    According to ghanasonline.com, the hospital was initially called Kumasi Central Hospital before being changed to Komfo Anokye Hospital.

    The report adds that “Samuel Gee, after the construction of the hospital, attempted to pull out the Komfo Anokye sword, at times using heavy-duty machinery, but failed.”

  • KATH commences drug delivery at homes

    The Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) has commenced home delivery of drugs to chronic but stable patients.

    The Chief Executive, Prof. Otchere Addai-Mensah, says this will remove the inconvenience these patients encounter in accessing medications.

    He said dedicated pharmacists will be available to facilitate the process.

    “Institution of courier services for the home delivery of refill medicines to chronic but stable patients. This means such patients, who will be assigned dedicated Pharmacists, will not need to come to the hospital for their medicines as they will be delivered to them at home at a reasonable fee,” he said.

    He made this known at the hospital’s 2022 end-of-year performance review.

    Momo and POS terminals

    Prof. Addai-Mensah again announced the introduction of Mobile Money and Point of Sale terminals which have already proven to be a game-changer.

    “For the first time in the history of the hospital, payments of hospital bills through mobile money (momo) and Point of Sale (POS) terminals have been introduced to allow patients to conveniently pay their bills without joining any queue. In just 19 days of the introduction of this service this month, over GHs100,000.00 in patients’ bills have been paid through these means,” he said.

    Patients’ satisfaction surveys

    Prof. Addai-Mensah also stressed the intensification of patient surveys to assess patient satisfaction.

    “Intensify the conduct of segmented patient satisfaction surveys to determine the level of patients’ experiences at the various units and directorates and other ways for further improvements,” he said.

    ‘Mystery clients’

    As part of efforts to improve care, Prof. Addai-Mensah revealed what he calls, ‘mystery clients’ who will assess care at the hospital.

    “There will be the use of mystery clients to proactively determine, review and enhance the quality of care at the hospital,” he said.

    Retooling

    Prof. Addai-Mnesah said the hospital during the period under review also continued with its heavy investment by spending an amount of over Six Million Ghana Cedis (Ghc6 Million) from its Internally Generated Funds (IGF) in the procurement of critically needed equipment and facilities.

    “These sets of equipment are making a remarkable difference in the hospital’s ability to provide a broader range of specialist care to the public and training of health care professionals in the country.

    “Notable among the equipment that were delivered and installed during the period included ventilators, an X-Ray Digital detector, a Lamina flow cabinet, an electric tumbler dryer three Slit Lamp Biomicroscope, four Cardiac Monitors and  suction machines among others,” he stated.

  • Komfo Anokye Hospital bans social media use at work

    Komfo Anokye Hospital bans social media use at work

    To stop employees at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital from using social media while at work, administrators have disabled the hospital’s computer systems.

    The change is meant to maintain staff attention on patient care and raise the level of medical treatment provided at the hospital.

    This is one of a number of measures and interventions implemented by the hospital’s administration to improve patient safety and comfort at the facility.

    Professor Otchere Addai-Mensah, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the hospital, says the lives of patients who visit the facility, which serves as a referral hospital, cannot be jeopardized.

    He said they have blocked the hospital’s “[IT] system to YouTube and other social media platforms to prevent staff from possible loss of concentration on patient care through the use of such platforms.”

    The CEO was speaking to department and division heads at the hospital’s end-of-year performance review conference in Kumasi.

  • Chief Imam visits Manhyia to commiserate with Asantehene

    Chief Imam visits Manhyia to commiserate with Asantehene

    The National Chief Imam, His Eminence Usmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, paid a visit to Manhyia palace to express sympathy to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II over the death of the Ashanti Regional Zango Chief, Sultan Umar Farouk.

    The late Sultan, who was a close ally of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, died on Thursday, February 23 at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital after a protracted illness.

    A Muslim delegation led by the National Chief Imam, the President of Tijaniyya Movement in Ghana, Sheikh Abdul Wadud Haroun Ciessey, and Alhaji Abdullah Ali Barry, Zango Development Chief (Nkosuohene) paid a courtesy call on the Asantehene at the Manhyia Palace.

    “I know the strong ties between you (Asantehene) and the late regional Zango Chief. His death will obviously come as a big blow to you,” the National Chief Imam said through his spokesperson, Sheikh Armeyaw Shuaib.

    “Allah is the one who gives and takes so we just have to thank Allah for a life well lived by the late Sultan Umar Farouk. It is important I come here, in person, to console you. The Muslim community in general has lost a good man.”

    His Eminence Dr Sharubutu prayed for the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and the entire the Asanteman for good health and sustainable peace.

    The late Ashanti Regional Sarkin Zango, Sultan Umar Farouk, has since been buried in accordance with Islamic rites.

  • 3 truck drivers shot dead, 4 others injured while transporting vegetables from Bawku to Accra

    3 truck drivers shot dead, 4 others injured while transporting vegetables from Bawku to Accra

    According to reports, three truckers who were delivering peppers and tomatoes from Bawku to Accra have been shot to dead, and numerous more wounded.

    This was after unknown gunmen opened fire on the cargo trucks at a spot 20 kilometres from the town.

    Some of the injured are receiving treatment at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.

    Survivors of the shooting which occurred on Tuesday showed LuvNews their bullet-ridden vehicles and recounted their ordeal.

    The stunned drivers say they decided to drive out of Bawku with their perishable goods after the police refused to grant them escort out of the community. 

    These cargo vehicles, one driven from the scene of the shooting in Bawku to Akomadan and Suame in Kumasi bear evidence of what took place on Tuesday.

    Bullet holes on the windscreen, side and rear of the vehicles show aggressive spontaneous shooting.

    Kwaku Karl, 44, the driver of the cargo truck, parked at Akomadan, survived the assault but lost his son, 22-year-old, Kofi Karl.

    He narrates how the two of them lay on their side on the floor of the vehicle in an attempt to escape the rain of bullets.

    “We laid low in the car to prevent sustaining wounds. I hid my head somewhere with my son’s legs on top of me. Sadly, he sustained some bullets and could not survive. This is just how we positioned ourselves” he stated. 

    Yakubu Asaripue, the owner of one of the cargo trucks that were attacked, said the incident has gotten him scared.

    “The car leading the team is mine. Unfortunately, I lost my driver due to the incident even after putting in much effort to rescue them” he said.

    Haruna Issah sustained multiple gunshot wounds from the incident.

    “They chased us right after we got into the community. After releasing multiple gunshots at us, we were forced to hide under the car seats but even with that, my driver could not survive and my other mate, is receiving treatment” he explained the situation to Luv News.

  • 3 cargo drivers shot at Bawku

    3 cargo drivers shot at Bawku

    Some drivers transporting pepper and tomatoes from Bawku to Accra have reportedly been shot dead, a Luvnews report has said.

    The deceased drivers, numbering 3, were traveling with the goods together with some others when some unknown gunmen opened fire on the cargo trucks at a spot 20 kilometers from the town.

    Other drivers sustained various levels of injury and are currently receiving treatment at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH).

    Speaking to Luvnews, some of the survivors indicated that they decided to move their goods after the police refused to grant them escort out of the community.

    One of the drivers, Kwaku Karl, 44, whose cargo truck was parked at Akomadan lost his 22-year-old son; Kofi Karl during the incident.

    According to him, the two of them lay on the ground beside the truck when the robbers were firing bullets.

    “We laid low in the car to prevent sustaining wounds. I hid my head somewhere with my son’s legs on top of me. Sadly, he sustained some bullets and could not survive. This is just how we positioned ourselves” he stated.

    Yakubu Asaripue, owner of one of the trucks, narrated how he lost his driver during the attacks.

    “The car leading the team is mine. Unfortunately, I lost my driver due to the incident even after putting in much effort to rescue them” he said.

    On his part, Haruna Issah, a survivor who sustained multiple gunshot wounds from the incident explained what happened to Luvnews.

    “They chased us right after we got into the community. After releasing multiple gunshots at us, we were forced to hide under the car seats but even with that, my driver could not survive and my other mate, is receiving treatment,” he indicated.

    Meanwhile, evidence presented to Luvnews shows bullet holes in the windscreen, side and rear of some of the affected cargo vehicles, indicative of aggressive shooting.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • A/R: Gang butchers 30 year-old man to death at Krofrom

    A/R: Gang butchers 30 year-old man to death at Krofrom

    A young man believed to be in his 30s popularly known as “Candy” has been butchered to death by a gang at Krofrom in the Ashanti regional Capital, Kumasi.

    The unfortunate incident occurred at about 6:30 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2023 according to the Presiding member of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA).

    Patrick Kwame Frimpong, Assembly member for the Krofrom East Electoral area in an interview with EIB said the victim was butchered multiple times by the gang sustaining deep cutlass wounds.

    The victim was rushed to a private hospital in Krofrom and later referred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) before being confirmed dead by the medics.

    The KMA Presiding member said the gang allegedly attacked and killed “Candy” in retaliation for his involvement in an attack on their colleague exactly a year ago yesterday.

    He described the deceased as a troublesome “gagster” who was nuisance to the community.

    The police have arrested two of the gang members believed to have murdered the young man. The suspects are currently in police custody assisting investigations ‘’ he disclosed.

    The lifeless body of the deceased has been deposited at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital morgue for autopsy and subsequent preservation.

  • Krofrom gang stabs man to avenge colleague’s attack

    Krofrom gang stabs man to avenge colleague’s attack

    A gang has reportedly killed a 30-year-old man popularly known as “Candy” at Krofrom in the Kumasi Metropolis of the Ashanti Region.

    The Assembly Member for the area, Patrick Kwame Frimpong, said the deceased was murdered in retaliation for an attack on one of the members of the gang.

    Patrick Kwame Frimpong said the deceased was stabbed multiple times during the attack, which occurred at about 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 25, 2023.

    The classesfmonline.com report added that he was pronounced dead on arrival after he was referred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.

    The police have so far arrested two of the gang members to assist with investigations.

    The body of the deceased has been deposited at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Ashanti regional NSS boss faces 2 months suspension without pay

    Ashanti regional NSS boss faces 2 months suspension without pay

    For verbally harassing a nurse at the Manhyia Government Hospital, the director of the National Service Scheme (NSS) in the Ashanti Region, Alex Opoku Mensah, has been suspended for two months without pay.

    Following an emergency meeting after the incident in November 2022, the NSS on December 1, 2022, temporarily suspended him to allow for investigations.

    However, according to a recent instruction from the NSS, Mr. Opoku-Mensah has been placed on paid leave for a period of two months. The suspension is effective right away.

    This occurred when a committee finished its task and turned in its report to Management.

    According to reports, Mr. Opoku-Mensah verbally assaulted a nurse over how the medical professional interacted with his daughter, who works as a doctor at the facility.

    Because the medication the house officer had ordered wasn’t available at the pharmacy, the nurse had to call him to change a prescription.

    http://backend.theindependentghana.com/audio-exchange-of-words-between-nss-ashanti-region-boss-and-nurse/

    The house officer reportedly objected because of how the nurse spoke to her, according to the Medical Superintendent, Dr. Hussein.

    When the house officer called the nurse on the phone, Dr. Hussein said that she just so happened to be with her father. As a result, Mr. Opoku-Mensah was furious about the situation and went with his daughter to the hospital.

    Alex Opoku-Mensah has since apologised for his actions and said he is not known to be abusive or violent.

    In an audio recording that has gone viral, Mr Opoku-Mensah said, “you are very frustrated…Who born dog?…you envy her, and you don’t respect. Are you a doctor? Who are you? Are you mad? Is the hospital yours? Stupid idiot.. that your useless nursing that you do, useless woman… Do you know who I am? I am the Regional Director of the National Service Scheme. Some of you are under me.”

    But the headquarters of the scheme would have none of that as the situation triggered an uproar from some health associations.

    The latest development also demands that the embattled Ashanti Regional boss apologises to the NSS for bringing its name into disrepute through his action.

  • KMA Mayor expresses confidence in new KATH CEO

    As part of his effort to engage his stakeholders, Prof. Otchere Addai-Mensah, the acting CEO of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), made a courtesy visit to Hon. Sam Pyne, the head of the Kumasi Metro.

    The visit was to enable him formally introduce himself as the new CEO of the sole tertiary health facility in the Ashanti Region.

    In his remarks, Prof. Addai-Mensah said KATH occupies a unique position in the healthcare delivery system of the country as it is saddled with the burden of treating tertiary healthcare referral needs of about 13 regions in Ghana.

    He said with such an arduous responsibility, the hospital will require the support and assistance of all stakeholders to enable it effectively meet the expectations of the public.

    “Unlike the Greater Accra Region which can boast of several specialist and referral facilities like Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, the Police Hospital, the 37 Military Hospital and University of Ghana Medical Center among others, the same cannot be said of the Ashanti region.

    “KATH as a sole tertiary facility serving virtually the same population as Greater Accra will, therefore, require the maximum assistance of all stakeholders including the KMA in order to enhance its capacity to meet the growing specialist healthcare needs of the 13 regions out of the 16regions in the country” he emphasized.

    Hon. Sam Pyne expressed confidence in the ability of the new CEO to turn around the fortunes of the hospital. He said KATH was a highly sensitive institution, but he was hopeful that given the caliber of Prof. Addai-Mensah, the hospital will witness a turnaround during his tenure of office. He pledged the readiness of KMA to support the management of the hospital in its drive to improve the operations of the hospital.

    Prof.Addai-Mensah was accompanied on the visit by some members of his management team.

  • Asanteman SHS vs ADASS clash: Family of injured 19-year-old boy appeal for justice

    The 19-year-old boy’s parents are fighting for justice for their injured son after an altercation  between the Asanteman Senior High School and the Adventist Senior High School at Bantama in Kumasi.

    The Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital is where the adolescent, Samuel Kwadwo Danso, is fighting for his life.

    The clash ensued on Sunday afternoon when students of Asanteman alleged their colleague had been attacked and robbed by students of the Adventist SHS.

    Students from Asanteman massed up in their numbers and advanced to the Adventist campus wielding stones, clubs, and machetes.

    The victim, a shopkeeper, according to eyewitnesses who spoke to GhanaWeb, was allegedly accused by the Asanteman SHS students of being a student of the Adventist Senior High School.

    He was immediately attacked and hit in the head with a heavy stone by angry students from Asanteman Secondary School.

    He collapsed on the spot and was subsequently rushed to the hospital by some bystanders who intervened to rescue the situation, the witnesses told GhanaWeb.

    Reacting to this in an interview with GhanaWeb’s Ashanti Regional Correspondent, Nana Peprah, the mother of the victim, Madam Angelina Gyan, said she only wants justice for her innocent son.


    She added that her son, who completed school in 2021, was a student at Kumasi High School and had never attended school at Adventist Senior High School.

    Mr. Joseph Atta Danso, the father of the victim, said his family on Monday, filed an official complaint to the Suame Police Station for the arrest of the perpetrators, especially the assistant senior housemaster who led the Asanteman students.

    Alleged involvement of Assistant Senior Housemaster of Asanteman SHS in the chaos

    An assistant senior housemaster of the Asanteman SHS, whose name was only given as Reverend, was accused by the eyewitnesses of allegedly leading his students to cause mayhem at another school.

    According to eyewitnesses who spoke to GhanaWeb, students of the Asanteman Senior High School who stormed the Adventist Senior High School to attack the ADASS students started pelting stones at the school after they were prevented from entering the premises.

    “They tried to enter the school with violence but were not allowed entry. The next thing we saw was, the teacher (leader), who was supposed to do the right thing, ordering his students to attack the Adventist SHS, whose students were kept indoors.

    “How could a whole teacher lead his students to fight students from another school? Have no one to blame, blame the teacher for the collapse of this innocent boy,” the disappointed eyewitnesses told GhanaWeb.

  • Confusion hits KATH over retired CEO’s accumulated leave package

    A group of aggrieved senior medical Staff at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi are considering taking legal action against the hospital’s board for authorizing payment of 8 months of accumulated (deferred) leave for the retired Chief Executive officer (CEO) Dr. Oheneba Owusu Danso including other benefits they deem as illegal.

    On the 27th of October 2022, the hospital’s board Chairman, Nana Effah Apenteng, Omanhene of Bompata Traditional Area at a board meeting approved for the retired CEO of the facility to be paid his differed leave and terminal leave of a total of one hundred and sixty-four (164) working days.

    By the board’s approval, the outgoing Chief executive Dr. Oheneba Owusu Danso is granted all his accumulated and terminal leave days and shall enjoy the same under the condition of service, as he proceeds on retirement as chief executive officer.

    A memo intercepted by GHone News directed the hospital’s Director of Finance and Human Resources to comply as received from the board.

    This means the retired CEO while on retirement will be paid every month his basic salary and all benefits he used to enjoy while serving as the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospitals Chief Executive Officer.

    The memo sighted further explained that the hospital’s Director of Finance should pay the retired CEO his 8 months of supposed accumulated leave effective 2nd November 2022-July 2023.

     

    Through this instruction from the board, the retired Plastic Surgeon will be paid his basic salary, payment in lieu of accommodation, rate of maintenance and kilometric allowance while he uses his personal vehicle.

    Responsibility allowance of 50% of basic, 20% entertainment allowance, house help, garden boy, day and night watchman.

    The memo further added, his free medical and dental care utility service should equally be paid for.

    GHOne News can report on authority that this directive from the referral facility’s board is causing serious confusion in the hospital.

    Some senior staff of the facility at a meeting threatened to embark on industrial action against the hospital board’s mismanagement of the hospital’s funds while the facility continues to struggle for working equipment.

    However, other staff at the meeting suggested the hospital staff should rather sue the board for the court to reverse the directive for the said payment describing it as illegal.

    According to them, the CEO while in office enjoyed all the benefits he was entitled to, therefore, such payment must be prevented to save the hospital’s money.

  • Prof. Otchere Addai Mensah is new CEO of KATH

    President Nana Akufo-Addo through the Ministry of Health has appointed Professor Otchere Addai Mensah, a Senior Lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi.

    A formal letter from the ministry of health has been received by the Board Chairman of the teaching hospital, Bompatahene Nana Effah Apenteng.

    Sources in Manhyia Palace have also confirmed that Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has also received a formal letter from the Health Ministry informing him about the president’s new appointment in line with tradition.

    Starr News checks at the referral facility disclosed that the board chairman of the facility at its last Board meeting briefed the board members about the new appointment which requires their approval.

    The hospital’s board after the approval is expected to formally inform the entire working staff of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in the coming days.

    Staff of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) had earlier served notice that they will reject any appointment of non-permanent staff of the Hospital as Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

    This followed speculations within the premier hospital that the President in consultation with Ashanti Regional Executives of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) is considering announcing the appointment of Prof. Okyere Addai Mensah as a successor to the retired CEO Dr. Oheneba Owusu Danso.

    The said notice from the staff read: “No KATH staff, No CEO; We are capable of managing our own affairs.”

    Dr. Oheneba Owusu Danso retired last week after serving the referral facility for over 3 decades.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Confirmed: Prof. Otchere Addai Mensah is new CEO of KATH

    President Nana Akufo-Addo through the Ministry of Health has appointed Professor Otchere Addai Mensah, a Senior Lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi.

    A formal letter from the ministry of health has been received by the Board Chairman of the teaching hospital, Bompatahene Nana Effah Apenteng.

    Source in Manhyia Palace has also confirmed that Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has also received a formal letter from the Health Ministry informing him about the president’s new appointment in line with tradition.

    Starr News checks at the referral facility disclosed that the board chairman of the facility at its last Board meeting briefed the board members about the new appointment which requires their approval

    The hospital’s board after the approval is expected to formally inform the entire working staff of the Komfo Anokye teaching Hospital in the coming days.

    Staff of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) had served notice that they will reject any appointment of non-permanent staff of the Hospital as Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

    This followed speculations within the premier hospital that the President in consultation with Ashanti Regional Executives of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) is considering announcing the appointment of Prof. Okyere Addai Mensah as a successor to the retired CEO Dr. Oheneba Owusu Danso.

    The said notice from the staff read: “No KATH staff, No CEO; We are capable of managing our own affairs”

    Dr. Oheneba Owusu Danso retired last week after serving the referral facility for over 3 decades.

  • Motorcyclist dies in crash on Sofoline-Abuakwa highway

    A motorcyclist believed to be in his late thirties lost his life in an accident involving a fuel tanker on the Sofoline-Abuakwa highway in the Ashanti Region on Thursday.

    According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred after the deceased who was riding a motorbike got trapped under the fuel tanker while using the road and was later run over by the vehicle, thereby killing him instantly.

    Eyewitnesses say, although the driver of the vehicle stopped to observe the happening, he later allegedly fled the scene after realizing that some youth were approaching his direction with different weapons to attack him.

    “What happened was that my vehicle was faulty, so I was sitting down thinking about how to get it fixed. That was when I saw the fuel tanker and the motorbike approaching. All of a sudden, I saw the motor rider trapped under the tanker truck, and we just saw that the tanker truck had run over the man and crushed his head.”

    “The tanker driver drove ahead to park at the traffic light area. It was then that some of the boys around started rushing towards the tanker driver with canes and other weapons. So, fearing for his life, the tanker driver ended up fleeing the scene. As for the deceased, he died instantly when we rushed to check on him,” an eyewitness, Kofi Yeboah, said.

    The body of the deceased who is yet to be identified has been deposited at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) pending an autopsy.

     

  • One armed robber shot; Police on manhunt for his accomplice in Ashanti Region

    On Friday, October 21, 2022, following intelligence that an armed robbery gang was planning an attack on the cluster of banks in the Suame Magazine and Maakro enclave in Kumasi, the Police launched a special anti-robbery operation in which one of the armed robbers was shot.

    The armed robber and his accomplice who were on motorbikes attacked a customer who had stepped out of the Fidelity bank, Maakro branch, carrying a brown envelope.

    The robbers attacked the bank customer and snatched the envelope amidst the firing of guns.

    The rear windscreen and the left door glass of a Daewoo Matiz saloon car which was parked on the bank premises was hit during the shooting.

    The Police, who had mounted surveillance in the area, responded to the situation by firing at the armed robbers and succeeded in hitting the pillion rider who fell off the motorbike. However, the rider who also sustained gunshot wounds, managed to escape.

    One of the police officers was shot by the armed robbers during the exchange of fire and sustained a gunshot wound to his right hip.

    Both the injured officer and the suspect were rushed to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital for medical attention. The suspect was, however, pronounced dead on arrival.

    The body of the deceased suspect has been deposited at the morgue for preservation, identification and autopsy.

    Efforts are underway to get his accomplice arrested to face justice.

    “We wish to appeal to the public especially those who run health facilities within the Kumasi Metropolis and its environs to report any person seeking medical attention with a gunshot wound, for prompt Police action.

    “We would like to commend all the officers who took part in the operation and also wish our injured colleague a speedy recovery,” a Police statement said on Saturday October 22.

    Source: 3news.com|Ghana

  • Why Otumfuo rejected Dr. K.K Sarpong

    The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, openly rejected the nomination of Dr. K.K Sarpong, Former Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Petroleum Company (GNPC) as was captured in a video that made rounds on Friday, October 21, 2022.

    In the said video, the Ashanti King clearly indicated his displeasure about how the nomination process for Dr. K.K Sarpong was done.

    While nullifying this and asking for kingmakers to follow the appropriate traditions as regards his nominations, Otumfuo Osei Tutu mentioned 5 main reasons he was rejecting the said nomination of Dr. Sarpong.

    They were outlined as follows;

    1. Family heads who led the nomination process of Dr. Sarpong were not qualified and didn’t have the mandate to do so. He noted that the family head (Atta Kwabena) who presented the pleas to him did not have the right to come close to the stool because he had a curse on him that had to be taken off.

    2. Some family heads had reported to him (Otumfuo) that the name (KK Sarpong) presented to the queen mother for nomination as chief was not a royal.

    3. They failed to consider other persons who have rights to the Offinso stool

    4. They should have presented their thoughts about nominating him (K K Sarpong) as a candidate before him (Otumfuo) and asked for his permission and input.

    5. Due process wasn’t followed by the family heads and queen mother for the selection process.

    Asantehene cancels nomination:

    The Asantehene further noted that despite his good relationship with the candidate, KK Sarpong, he expects that the right thing must be done.

    He subsequently cancelled and nullified their nominations and asked that they do the right thing and return to him when all the processes have been followed accordingly.

    “What went on, I know but what hurts me is that Kofi Kodua Sarpong, I have a good relationship with him so if you want him to be chief and you don’t come to me with the truth…the right thing must be done.

    “There are a lot of narrations about the people deserving of the stool, you are making the complications complicated.

    “I cancel every nomination. The person who brought you the pleas is not deserving until the curse is taken off. Why did you elders allow such a person to lead the process?

    “I know you have sat with KK Sarpong and agreed he is the one you want, follow due process and present it to me,” Otumfuo further added.

    Background:

    The Offinso paramount seat became vacant in October 2021 after the passing of the late Paramount Chief, Nana Awiafe Akenten III after a short illness at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi.

    The late Offinsomanhene had occupied the Wiafe Akenten traditional stool for 28 years, following his enstoolment in November 1993.

    As tradition demands, a new candidate must be nominated and duly vetted by the traditional processes to replace the deceased chief.

    There have however been controversies surrounding the nomination of the former GNPC Boss, K.K Sarpong after he was proposed by the Offinso Queenmother; Nana Ama Serwaa Nyarko.

    His candidacy has mostly been contested because of suggestions by some royal factions that he is not a royal nor has any entitlement to the stool.

    The paramount chief of Offinso is the third in command in the Asante Kingdom.

     

  • KATH raises red flags over high prevalence of breast cancer in Ashanti region

    The Breast Care Center at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in the Kumasi Metropolis of the Ashanti has raised red flags over the high prevalence of breast cancer in the region.

    According to the center, breast cancers are on the astronomical rise in the Ashanti Region affecting hundreds of both men and women.

    A Nursing Officer at KATH‘s Breast Care Center, Mariama Amadu said 90 percent of people who reported to the center for biopsy in the last three years turned out to be serious breast cancer cases.

    Mariama Amadu was speaking on the Kumasi-based OTEC 102.9 FM’s Health show, “Apomuden Ahotoso” on Sunday, October 9, 2022.

    “The rate at which we are recording breast cancer in the past few years is frightening and should be of concern to all stakeholders”. She told host of the show, Kate Appiah Boateng (Radio Nurse).

    Medical Check Up

    Mariama Amadu urged Ghanaians to regularly do a self-examination of their breast and seek early treatment if they detect any anomalies.

    “Early detection was the surest way to win the fight against breast cancer infections”.

    She stressed the need for individuals to report any changes in their breasts at health facilities to ensure early treatment.

    The nurse however pleaded with men to support their wives when they notice any changes in their breasts and not to abandon them.

  • Ghana has capacity to repay its loans despite recent downgrade – Analyst

    Dr. Williams Peprah, a financial expert, claimed that despite Ghana’s recent downgrading, the government is still in a strong position to be able to service its debts.

    He claims that the nation has previously proven its capacity to make sure it does not fall behind on debt repayments.

    He said this after Fitch, a global rating agency, reduced the nation’s creditworthiness rating from CCC to CC, increasing the likelihood that it will default on its debt.

    Dr. Williams Peprah, a financial expert, claimed that despite Ghana’s recent downgrading, the government is still in a strong position to be able to service its debts.

    He claims that the nation has previously proven its capacity to make sure it does not fall behind on debt repayments.

    He said this after Fitch, a global rating agency, reduced the nation’s creditworthiness rating from CCC to CC, increasing the likelihood that it will default on its debt.

     

  • Fire kills mother and two children in Kumasi

    On Tuesday morning, a fire broke out in a house in Asuoyeboah, Ashanti Region, killing three people.

    Around 12:30 AM, a mother and her two children perished in the tragedy after other residents’ attempts to save them proved unsuccessful.

    The mother has been identified as Felicia, 48, and her two children, Obed Owusu, 11, and Christabel Owusu, 9, as reported by 3news.com.

    Meanwhile, the man of the house has been rushed to the hospital after he sustained severe burns in an attempt to save his family.

    “We are in shock with the intensity of the fire even though it was raining at the time of the incident. We thought the rain would minimize the impact, but within minutes, the entire 10-bedroom apartment was engulfed with fire, and our effort to try and save them proved futile,” an eyewitness, Edward Osei, said.

    “They all got trapped and couldn’t come through the window because of the burglar-proof. However, the man of the house managed to escape because he was in a separate room. He decided to go back and rescue his family but to no avail. He later sustained some severe burns and was rushed to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital for treatment,” another eyewitness said.

    The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the KATH morgue, awaiting autopsy.

  • 59-year-old survivor dies after leg amputation

    The number of fatalities from the Appiate explosion has increased by one, bringing the total to 15.

    Ama Nsowaa, 59, was one among the explosion’s hardest-hit casualties.
    She struggled with a left leg injury up until August 29 when the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital amputated that leg.

    Thywill Quarshie, the Appiatse Disaster Relief Committee’s public relations officer, told Ghanaweb that the deceased, a diabetic patient, was scheduled for a review at the Wassa Akropong Government Hospital but was instead sent for additional care to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, where the leg was amputated on Monday, August 29, 2022.

    He said “we were of high hopes that all will be well with her after the amputation only to be hit with the news of her departure on Tuesday evening”.

    “What is so devasting is that the daughter of the deceased also lost her husband during the explosion, and so the mother (Ama Nsowaa) was her only hope, and now she is gone” he added.

    Another victim, Paul Asare 38 who had his belly opened by the explosion also died at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi on Monday, June 6, 2022.

    According to family members, he fell unconscious after he complained of stomach upset and was rushed to KATH for medical attention where he died.

    Thywill Quashie on behalf of the relief committee expressed his condolences to the bereaved families.

    More in critical condition

    According to Thywill Quarshie “six more people are in critical conditions that need urgent attention. One of such victims; John Christmas Opare had his spinal cord broken, paralyzing him. He had to sleep on his back for many months which made his buttocks develop “pilonidal cyst”; a medical term to describe a big sore buttocks”.

    “He had to change his sleeping position to his side and that has also developed a sore at one of his hips up to the bone level.

    He has been rushed to the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital on Monday September 5, 2022, where doctors say he needs six pints of blood for survival” he explained.

    He called for more support; cash or kind from companies, groups, organisations and individuals to help take care of the people.

    13 people were confirmed dead in the Appiatse explosion on January 20, 2022 rendering over 500 people homeless after a truck carrying explosives belonging to MAXAM Ghana exploded after it was involved in an accident at Appiate, near Bogoso. The whole community was razed down as a result of the explosion.

    Source: Ghanaweb