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KBTH to complete maternity block renovation soon
The Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) has assured the public that renovation works on the Maternity Block was progressing steadily and would be completed soon.
Dr. Frank Owusu Sekyere, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of KBTH, stated during a media tour of the hospital’s projects on Monday that the renovation, which began in January with a six-month completion timeline, was already 80 per cent finished within just two months.
“The renovation ongoing now started in January, and they had six months to complete, within two months, they have done 80 per cent compared to the last certification assessment.
“If we have been able to do 80 per cent in two months, chances are that within the next two months, we may be able to complete it.
“So, we have no reason to believe that it is going to drop,” he assured, and expressed confidence that the contractor would be able to finish the work within two months.
Dr. Owusu Sekyere and the management of the hospital were touring projects sites to assess the progress of work.
The group also inspected ongoing works on Ward E, Orthopaedic Ward (Ward H), the Oxygen Plant, and the construction site of the KBTH perimeter wall to improve security.
The GH₵3.5 million renovation of the maternity block, which began in January 2025, was aimed at improving patient safety.
The renovation mainly targets the building’s external structure, which had weakened over time with crumbling castings and exposed metal parts.
The work involves dismantling the damaged sections, recasting, plastering, and repainting the entire exterior to restore its appearance, as the building’s structural integrity remains intact.
Dr. Isaac Koranteng, Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, explained that the decision to renovate rather than demolish the old structure was influenced by recent economic challenges, including the domestic debt exchange programme.
“Originally, there were plans to construct an 11-story maternity and gynecology complex that would have replaced the current block. “Because of the discussion that we’ve had about the possibility of a new block, it wasn’t in our interest to put money in here when a new one was coming. But now we have realized that we need to concentrate on fortifying this,” he added.
Dr. Koranteng stated that the renovation works would not disrupt healthcare services at the facility, as the internal structures remained operational and in good condition.
“We are still going to take care of the patients. We are still going to carry out all activities because it’s external and the internal is in good condition,” he said.
Dr. Koranteng assured the public that once completed, the renovated facility would showcase an entirely new facade, enhancing the overall appearance of Ghana’s premier teaching hospital.
In response to mounting concerns about the hospital’s elevator functionality across various blocks, he confirmed that three new lifts had been acquired—one each for the Maternity, Surgical, and Medical Blocks. He mentioned that preparations for the installation of the new lifts were progressing smoothly. – GNA
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Prioritise affordable treatment of sickle cell treatment —Health Expert
Health experts have urged Ghana to prioritise affordable and accessible treatment for sickle cell disease (SCD) as advanced, but costly curative therapies remain out of reach.
SCD, an inherited blood disorder, affects about three in every 100 newborns in Ghana.
Globally, around 1,000 babies are born with the condition daily, with three-quarters in sub-Saharan Africa.
The disease causes severe complications including chronic pain, anaemia, infections, strokes and organ damage, often leading to shortened life expectancy.
In recent years, gene therapy has been developed as a potential cure.
However, its cost—running into millions of dollars per patient—makes it financially and technically inaccessible in Ghana.
According to Dr Lawrence Osei-Tutu, a Sickle Cell and Childhood Cancer Expert at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, “the country must instead focus on practical, lower-cost interventions such as hydroxyurea”, a decades-old cancer drug proven to reduce painful episodes, hospitalisation and life- threatening complications in SCD patients”.
Taken orally, the medicine improves red blood cell function and is considered safe and effective.
“Hydroxyurea therapy is as good as the cure and a low-hanging fruit to pluck, we must bring a cure to our sickle cell warriors, but do so sustainably.” he urged.
In a chat with The Spectator here, he said to create awareness on the disease, the expert noted that despite its benefits, “hydroxyurea is not widely accessible in Ghana.”
Stressing that, “many patients either cannot afford it or struggle with irregular supply through the health system.”
Moreover, he argued that scaling up access would provide immediate relief while the country builds the infrastructure, trains specialists and secures funding needed to support curative therapies in the future.
With an estimated 15,000 babies born with sickle cell disease annually in Ghana, Dr Osei Tutu cautioned that “failure to improve access to effective treatment will leave many patients vulnerable to preventable complications and early death.”
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
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Let’s reintroduce Cultural Studies to complement educational reforms — Tourism Minister
Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has emphasised the importance of reintroducing Cultural Studies in schools as part of Ghana’s broader educational reform agenda.
She said Cultural Studies would complement existing efforts to reposition Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to promote digital literacy and expand Creative Arts education.
Speaking at the 2025 Homowo Festival of the people of Ningo-Prampram, held on the theme: “Education: The Best Legacy for our Children,” Madam Gomashie said cultural education was critical to national identity and development.
She noted that the festival’s theme aligned with the Government’s vision to transform education in Ghana and encouraged the youth to embrace it not only as a means of personal development but also as a way of preserving traditional values.
These values, including patience, wisdom, and hard work, were at the core of the Homowo celebration, the Minister said.
“Cultural festivals like Homowo are vital instruments for strengthening cultural identity, preserving historical memory, and fostering national unity. Additionally, festivals serve as platforms for educating the youth through storytelling, music, dance, and other traditional practices, while also providing opportunities for community engagement.”
Madam Gomashie highlighted the strong foundation that Ghana’s tourism was built on, which included culture, traditions, and the creative industry, collectively contributing to over GH¢4.8 billion to the economy.
“Festivals give tourists reasons to visit our country. Therefore, with the right infrastructure and the development of all the domains, the sector can do more than what has been recorded,” she added.
Mr Sam Nartey George, the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram and Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, commended the community for their vibrant participation in the festival. He announced plans for the construction of a new nursing training school in Ningo, aimed at expanding access to healthcare education in the area.
Nene Osroagbo Djangmah XII, Paramount Chief of Great Ningo Traditional Area; King Dr Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse; Nene Tetteh Wakah III, Paramount Chief of the Prampram Traditional Area; Prof. Odaifio Welentsi III, Paramount Chief of the Nungua Traditional Area; Naana Dugbakuwor Dugba II, Paramount Queen Mother of Great Ningo; and Mr. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, Special Envoy on Religion and Inter-Faith Affairs, who represented the Chief of Staff, were among dignitaries at the festival. -GNA
