News
New KATH CEO unveils strategies to restore facility image as centre of excellence
At the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), the heartbeat of Ashanti Region’s healthcare, the machines meant to save lives are either wheezing, silent or missing altogether.
CT scans sit idle. MRI machines have gone mute. The fluoroscopy unit, oxygen plants, and central sterilisation systems—once the backbone of critical care—are now shadows of their former selves.
And in some cases, like the Catheterisation Laboratory and Mammogram unit, there is not even a shadow to speak of. They simply do not exist.
It was against this sobering backdrop that Dr (Med) Paa Kwesi Baidoo, the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer, addressed staff and stakeholders at KATH’s 2025 Mid-Year Performance Review Conference—his first since assuming office in May.
The event, held as part of the hospital’s 70th anniversary celebrations, was a call to arms.
“I am deeply honoured by the warm welcome,” Dr Baidoo began, “but I am equally sobered by the scale of the challenge before us.”
With conviction, he laid bare the operational deficits of the facility and unveiled a comprehensive strategy to restore KATH’s stature as a true centre of excellence where innovation is nurtured, stakeholder support is visible and valued, and patient care is not just clinical but compassionate and transformative.
To this end, his administration is actively engaging institutions such as the Ministry of Health (MoH), GNPC, Ghana Gas, NHIA, and the Bank of Ghana.
These efforts are already bearing fruit. The NHIA, he announced, has begun procurement of a long-awaited CATHLAB, a critical step toward expanding cardiac care in the region.
Internally, reforms are underway. Outdated policies are being reviewed. New guidelines on Pharmacy Residency Training, Opioid Use, and the hospital’s Disciplinary Code are being drafted plus a Comprehensive Patient Care and Duty Rota Policy aimed at improving staff conduct and service delivery.
Despite the infrastructure gaps, KATH has recorded notable gains in the first half of 2025. Specialist OPD attendance rose five per cent above target. The Oral Health Directorate exceeded its goal by 21 per cent. Radiology output increased by 10 per cent, with other radiological services surging by 95 per cent.
Surgeries rose seven per cent above target, inpatient deaths dropped by 13 per cent, and physiotherapy services improved by 10 percent. Emergency attendance also saw a six per cent uptick.
But the picture is not all rosy as emergency admissions, laboratory services, deliveries, primary care, and radiotherapy all saw declines—underscoring the need for urgent recalibration. But Dr Baidoo remains undeterred.
“The task ahead is arduous, but it is not insurmountable”, he admitted, and pledged to lead with humility, urgency, and resolve—anchored by a vision of excellence and a belief in the power of collective effort.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
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The Minority Caucus on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee has called for urgent and decisive action following recent xenophobic attacks on Ghanaians living in South Africa.
In a statement issued in Accra on April 29, the caucus expressed concern about what it described as a growing pattern of violence against foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, in areas such as KwaZulu-Natal, Durban and Gauteng.
The group noted that Ghanaian-owned businesses have been attacked, while some individuals have been harassed and assaulted. It added that, in certain cases, victims have also been denied access to essential services.
According to the statement, claims that foreign nationals are responsible for crime and economic hardship are unfounded and should be rejected.
The caucus referred to the widely circulated assault of a Ghanaian, Emmanuel Asamoah, as an example of the severity of the situation. It also raised concern about reports that some incidents occurred in the presence of law enforcement officers without effective intervention.
The Minority acknowledged steps taken by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, including his engagement with South African authorities and efforts to provide consular support to affected Ghanaians.
It noted the public condemnation of the attacks by President Cyril Ramaphosa, describing these as necessary but not sufficient.
The caucus called on the South African government to ensure the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible and to hold security agencies accountable where they fail to act.
It urged authorities to take practical steps to protect foreign nationals across the country.
On the part of Ghana, the Minority urged the government to adopt a stronger and more structured response.
It called for direct engagement between President John Dramani Mahama and President Ramaphosa to secure firm commitments on the safety of Ghanaians.
The statement further recommended increased consular support for citizens in affected areas and called for the issue to be escalated to the African Union for an urgent inquiry into recurring xenophobic attacks.
It urged the government to work with regional partners within ECOWAS to present a unified response.
The Minority suggested that Ghana should seek assurances from South Africa, including confirmed arrests, clear prosecution processes and a plan to protect foreign nationals.
It added that compensation should be considered for victims who have suffered losses.
The statement, signed by the Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel Abu Jinapor, urged Ghanaians in South Africa to remain cautious and maintain contact with the Ghana High Commission.
It stressed that Ghana must act firmly to protect its citizens and uphold the principles of cooperation and solidarity among African countries.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
Climate Change and Sustainability Ministry backs WiSA International Festival to promote women-led climate action
The Office of the Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability has expressed support for the Women in Sustainability Africa (WiSA) International Festival, aimed at promoting inclusive climate action and sustainable development across the continent.
In a statement, the Office said it recognises WiSA as an important platform that brings together governments, development partners, the private sector and civil society to drive climate solutions and economic transformation.
The Festival is scheduled to take place on May 1, 2026, at the Cedi Conference Centre from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
This year’s event under the theme: Empowering Women For The Economic Sustainability of Africa, will feature, Liu Yaw Nana, Acting Secretary of Ghana-Chinese Business Chamber of Commerce, Issifu Seidu, Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, Dr.Agness Naa Momo Lartey, Minister for Gender Children and Social Protection, Bishop E.O Ansah, General Overseer, Eternal Life Church, President, Women’s Development Association, Turkey, Nilgün Zaimoğlu and Chief of Government Relations and Africa UN Global Compact.
Additionally, it will host, Dr.Charity Binka, Chairperson, Chairperson, African Women Leaders Network , Pearl Opoku, Trader and GUTA National Organiser, Lydia Abbey, Makola Market Queen, actress Juliet Ibrahim, CEO of FZ Global Legacy, Francesca Zoppi, The Revival Founder, Yayra Agbofah and many others.
According to the statement, WiSA’s vision, led by Nana Yaa Serwaa Sarpong, aligns with national and continental goals on climate resilience, green growth and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Office noted that WiSA’s focus on empowering women as key drivers of sustainability and economic productivity is a practical approach to addressing climate challenges and development gaps.
It highlighted WiSA’s track record of engaging global institutions and organising multi-stakeholder events as evidence of its ability to mobilise partnerships and deliver results.
The Ministry said the 2026 Festival presents an opportunity to promote climate-smart investments, green innovation and scalable solutions in areas such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and the circular economy.
It added that the event will also support public-private partnerships and strengthen Africa-led solutions in global sustainability discussions.
As part of its commitment, the Office said it will support policy coordination, facilitate engagement with relevant government agencies, and promote an enabling environment for climate finance and green investments.
It also pledged to contribute to knowledge sharing, technical support and stakeholder mobilisation.
The statement emphasised that investing in initiatives like WiSA is key to driving inclusive economic growth, building resilience and achieving long-term development goals.
It further stressed that empowering women remains central to delivering sustainable and equitable outcomes.
The Office called on organisations to partner with WiSA to support climate action and sustainable development efforts across Africa.
By: Jacob Aggrey
