U.K. TRADE ENVOY DELEGATION VISITS KOMFO ANOKYE TEACHING HOSPITAL’S MATERNITY AND CHILDREN’S BLOCK PROJECT

A high-level delegation from the United Kingdom (U.K.) led by its Trade Envoy to Ghana, Bellavia Janet Ribeiro-Addy, has paid an inspection visit to the Maternity and Children’s block project at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi to inspect the progress of its execution.

The landmark 138.5-million-Euro healthcare infrastructure, aimed at boosting maternal and child healthcare delivery in the Ashanti Region and beyond.

Members of her delegation which included officials from the UK Department for Business and Trade and representatives of British Companies involved in the health infrastructure sector were jointly received at the project site by the Ag. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of KATH, Dr. (Med) Paa Kwesi Baidoo, Arc. Nana Abu-Bonsra, Lead Consultant of Arckito Consult and other officials of the Contracta Constructions U.K. Limited.

The visit was part of efforts to strengthen U.K.-Ghana trade relations, particularly in the area of healthcare and infrastructure development, and to explore further avenues of collaboration and investment.

Speaking during the inspection tour, Ribeiro-Addy (MP) expressed satisfaction with the progress of work on the project and reaffirmed the U.K. government’s commitment to supporting Ghana in achieving its healthcare development goals.

“We are impressed by the scope and ambition of the Maternity and Children’s block project. Projects like this do not only save lives but also strengthen bilateral relations through sustainable partnerships”, she submitted.

The 508-bed Maternity and Children’s Block, which has faced years of delay since construction first began, was reactivated with funding support from the government of Ghana.

Once completed, it is expected to significantly reduce congestion at the hospital, enhance specialist service delivery, and serve as a major referral centre for maternal and paediatric care and training in the northern sector of the country.

Dr. Baidoo thanked the U.K. government for its continued support for the project and highlighted the critical role of international partnerships in transforming Ghana’s healthcare landscape.

“Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital serves millions across the country, and the completion of this facility is central to our mission of providing quality specialized care. We are grateful for the U.K. government’s interest and support, and we look forward to further collaboration in ensuring its completion as soon as possible,” he said.

The Project Manager of the project Arc. Emmanuel Fobi Asabere revealed that delayed payments to the contractor had slowed down the pace of work in recent months but was hopeful that it could be fully completed and made operational in 18 months’ time if the funding challenge was fully addressed.

The visit marks another milestone in U.K.-Ghana relations, underscoring a shared commitment to health infrastructure development and improved quality of life for mothers and children across the country.