The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has urged the newly reconstituted board of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) to place the hospital’s interests above all personal agendas as they commence their mandate.
Speaking during a meeting at the Manhyia Palace, the Asantehene reminded the board—chaired by Otumfuo Hiahene, Prof. Oheneba Boachie-Adjei Woahene II—that KATH serves as a vital healthcare hub for millions of Ghanaians.
He cautioned that the hospital must not be allowed to suffer due to internal conflicts or self-serving actions.
“Komfo Anokye is the main referral hospital for the southern part of the country. If anything were to happen to me today, that is where I would be rushed to,” Otumfuo stated. “The hospital must be run with unity and purpose, and its internally generated funds used prudently.”
A key focus of the Asantehene’s message was the Heal Komfo Anokye project, an ambitious $10 million renovation campaign to upgrade dilapidated sections of the hospital. Otumfuo urged the board to rally around the initiative and see it through.
The new board, led by Dr. Paa Kwasi Baidoo as CEO, had visited the Palace to introduce its members and seek the King’s blessing. Dr. Baidoo expressed interest in assuming direct responsibility for the Heal Komfo Anokye project to speed up fundraising and implementation.
“We’re aware of your vision, and we are ready to take over the day-to-day running of the project to attract more funding,” Dr. Baidoo said. He also appealed to Otumfuo to help push for the revival of key donor-backed infrastructure works that have stalled.
Among the halted projects is the Children’s and Maternity Block at KATH, which forms part of a broader British government package that includes the Kumasi Airport and Central Market.
Otumfuo explained that Ghana’s IMF agreement had frozen progress, but he was optimistic that recent engagements with the British Trade Envoy would reignite support.
“These delays started when Ghana entered the IMF programme, but President Mahama has assured me that work will soon resume,” Otumfuo revealed. “KATH remains my top priority, and I’ll continue to advocate until every stalled project restarts.”
The Asantehene concluded by expressing full confidence in the new board, urging them to serve with transparency, dedication, and a shared sense of responsibility to transform KATH into a first-class health facility.
