The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei-Tutu II will on Friday launch a fundraiser to solicit 10million dollars to renovate the entire block and wards at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH).

Speaking to the media last Thursday,  Mr Samuel Adu Boakye, Chairman of the Komfo Anokye Renovation Committee said the King intends to lead the effort so that the only referral hospital in Ashanti can see improved conditions at both blocks and wards.

He noted that the project would also be used to honour the King around the Month of May, which will be exactly 25 years when he was enstooled as the Overlord of Asanteman.

“His majesty Otumfuo Osei-Tutu II will on Friday launch what we see as a legacy project which is to renovate the entire blocks and wards at KATH and make conditions equal to what pertains in developed countries across the world”, the Chairman stated.

Details:

The Chairman mentioned that conditions at the hospital currently was so bad that it can psychologically affect the healing of patients and also demoralise workers at the hospital.

He noted that apart from the dilapidated structures seen at the blocks and wards, there were naked wiring at some of the wards.

These issues, he noted posed a danger to the lives of patients and workers at the facility.

“Upon assumption of office, the Chief Executive Officer, Prof Addai-Mensah commissioned an audit into the entire KATH Facility and upon the results he decided to encourage the board to support him do some works at the wards and blocks but we had to show the situation to the Asantehene and by God’s grace we got his permission. We’ve since put together a model renovation plan to upgrade KATH to a status befitting it and comparable to others in developed countries”, Mr Boakye noted.

Chief Executive Officer:

In his succinct remarks,  Professor Otchere Addai-Mensah, CEO of KATH appealed to the media to show support to the committee which is overseeing to the proposed renovation of KATH.

He also urged the media to show commitment to the fundraising effort of the Asantehene and provide space to the committee so they can solicit for funds.

Prof Addai-Mensah said Ashanti does not have the luxury as those in Greater Accra since there abound major health faciliies apart from Korle-Bu to attend to the needs of persons who visit for care.

“I appeal to you, news editors and content managers at your outfits to support the fundraising drive of the Overlord of Asanteman and ensure that the Committee receives the funds needed to carry out this massive renovation work within 24 months to honour the King and to restore dignity to this facility”, the CEO stated.

Story  By Michael Ofosu-Afriyie, 

Kumasi.