A Beacon of Hope and Healing: KATH Commissions Africa’s First Smile Train Cleft Leadership Center
In a world where a smile can restore dignity and change lives, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) has etched its name in history by opening the doors to a transformative center that promises just that- healing, inclusion, and confidence for generations.
On Wednesday, 25th June 2025, KATH witnessed a momentous event which was the official inauguration of the National Cleft Care Center, the first and largest Smile Train Cleft Leadership Center (CLC) in Africa. The event marked a major milestone in healthcare delivery in Ghana and on the continent. The newly inaugurated facility is poised to become a hub for comprehensive cleft care, training, research, and advocacy.
The commissioning event, chaired by the Board Chairman of KATH, Nana Prof. Oheneba Boachie-Adjei Woahene II, attracted the presence of other notable figures including the CEO and President of Smile Train, Susannah Schaefer, whose vision and leadership have catalyzed global advances in cleft care. Also in attendance was the Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon. Dr. Frank Amoakohene, who applauded the collaborative efforts that made the center a reality. The event was further dignified with the presence of some past CEOs of KATH, leaders in healthcare, academia, and partners in the cleft care ecosystem.
A pivotal moment in the programme was the address by the CEO of KATH, Dr. (Med) Paa Kwesi Baidoo, who expressed deep appreciation to all stakeholders. In his stirring speech, Dr. Baidoo described the center as a symbol of “hope, healing, and shared purpose built through the powerful partnership between the Ministry of Health, KATH, the Ghana Cleft Foundation, and Smile Train,”.
He further highlighted that the center would not merely offer surgical intervention, but a holistic approach that includes speech therapy, orthodontics, nutritional support, psychological care, family medicine, ENT, anesthesia, intensive care, and other service under one roof. The CEO also underscored that this facility would serve as a center of excellence, a training ground for healthcare professionals, and a platform for research and innovation in cleft care.
“Above all, it will serve as a sanctuary of dignity and transformation for children and families affected by cleft conditions in Ghana and beyond”, he emphasized.
Susannah Schaefer, President and CEO of Smile Train, in her remarks celebrated what she called “a truly historic milestone” with the official opening of the National Cleft Care Center, the first Smile Train Cleft Leadership Center in Ghana and indeed in all of Africa.”
Reflecting on the journey of cleft care at KATH, she noted that it started from a single constrained room at the hospital to the current 30,000 square-foot advanced medical facility stressing that “it is far more than a building as “it represents Smile Train’s enduring commitment to building local, lasting capacity to enable communities to care for themselves today and for generations to come”.
She noted that since 2003, Smile Train has supported nearly 3,000 cleft surgeries in Ghana and reaffirmed the organization’s core principle: “where a child is born should not prevent them from accessing the life-changing cleft care they need and deserve.”
According to her, the new center will “increase treatment capacity fivefold” and grow surgical training capacity “sixfold,” transforming it into a regional hub for not only care, but also education and innovation. She further described the collaboration with Ghana’s Ministry of Health, KATH, and the Ghana Cleft Foundation as “a model of what’s possible when global vision meets local leadership”.
She concluded by praising the healthcare professionals who deliver this vital care, saying, “Your expertise, your passion, and your compassion are what drive lasting change.”
The story of the center would be incomplete without recognizing the tireless advocacy of the Ghana Cleft Foundation (GCF), co-founded by Prof. Peter Donkor, a renowned maxillofacial surgeon, past President of the West African College of Surgeons (WACS), and a global leader in cleft care. His relentless efforts and expert leadership have shaped cleft care across Africa, and his contribution remains integral to the establishment of this landmark facility.
A powerful highlight of the day was the emotional testimonies shared by two individuals who had lived through the challenges of cleft lips and palates. Their moving stories of transformation and restored confidence breathed life into the mission of the center and reminded all present of the real human impact behind the clinical mission.
This historic event marked not just the opening of a physical facility but the beginning of a broader national and continental movement to make cleft care accessible, affordable, and stigma-free. With its multidisciplinary approach, the center stands as a symbol of what can be achieved through visionary leadership and collaborative partnership.
Very instrumental to the success of the commissioning was Dr. Solomon Obiri-Yeboah, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, whose coordination and leadership ensured that the day’s proceedings unfolded seamlessly.
ACTING KATH CEO PLEDGES TO PRIORITISE STAFF WELFARE
