The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has paid a special visit to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) to inspect the ongoing renovation and modernization works being executed under his Heal Komfo Anokye Project (HeKAP).

The initiative is aimed at upgrading the original blocks of the hospital popularly referred to as the “GEE” blocks which were constructed in 1954 but have never undergone any comprehensive renovation in spite of their intensive use over the last seven decades.

The Asantehene’s project, which has gained significant attention across the country, is part of a broader effort to improve healthcare infrastructure and delivery in the Ashanti Region and beyond. The project involves the upgrading of the existing old wards, and the installation of state-of-the-art medical equipment to improve inpatient care at the hospital.

The 1,200-bed hospital, which is the second largest in Ghana, has been at the heart of the country’s healthcare system for decades but has long struggled with deteriorating infrastructure.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, was joined by the new Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon. Dr. Frank Amoakohene, the CEO of KATH, Prof. Otchere Addai-Mensah, Chairman of HeKAP, Mr. Samuel Adu-Boakye, and a host of dignitaries including some Kumawood stars for the inspection. The Asantehene was given detailed briefing on the work done so far and the sustainability and maintenance plans instituted to enhance the longevity of the project in partnerships with local and international healthcare institutions.

The entire entourage described as impressive the spell-binding transformation that the three wards namely Ward “A3, A4 and A5” tackled under the first phase of the project had undergone. The leaking concrete roofs of the blocks were also successfully repaired under this phase.

Speaking at the end of the inspection, Nana Prof. Oheneba Boachie-Adjei Woahene II, Asantehene’s Hiahene and his special representative on the HeKAP team, expressed his deepest gratitude to the Asantehene for his timely intervention and initiative to save the “Gee” blocks which were fast deteriorating. He stated HeKAP was a legacy project that would provide quality specialist healthcare services to the good people of Ghana and beyond. He called on the general public to join hands and make the vision of the Asante King a reality by donating generously towards its execution.

The CEO of Joshob Construction Limited, Mr James Osei Brown, one of the major donors of the project, was wowed by the progress of the project and the remarkable changes that has been made so far. “I am highly impressed with the work done so far and I can say our monies have been put into good use and that motivates us to contribute more. I wish people will pass by and see the good work done so that they will be encouraged to support it” he stated.

Chairman of HeKAP, Mr. Samuel Adu-Boakye, expressed his appreciation to His Majesty, KATH management, donors including the CEO’s of Justmoh Constructions Ltd. and Joshob Construction Ltd. and the general public for making the initiative a reality. He stated the next phase of the renovation will see the speed of light as most equipment needed have been procured already. “We look forward to completing the A1 and A2 wards so that the “A” Block could be completely done then we can move to the other three remaining blocks with the continued support of the public”, he appealed.

Architect Kojo Darko Asante, the engineer behind this monumental initiative assured the public of continuous quality work and pledged to work around the clock to get the remaining blocks fixed.

Sompaonline.com/Nana Yaw Boamah