The ward, which was constructed over 60 years ago and had hitherto not seen any major renovation, has been given first phase of renovation.

The renovation includes the painting of the walls and fixing the standpipes in the ward.

The association also donated 15 new adjustable beds, 17 intravenous polls, bedside cabinets, two multi-functioning obstetric beds and their accessories, all valued at $30,000.

Handing over

Handing over the renovated ward and the equipment to the hospital, the Secretary of the association, Mr Victor Boafo, said, as Ghanaians, they believed that their compatriots deserved the best health care and that was the reason for the procurement of the brand new equipment and asked a contractor to do some renovation.

He narrated how the organisation sent him from Chicago on a fact-finding mission to ascertain the challenges confronting the hospital.

Mr Boafo said in response, the association, headed by the Asantefuohene, Nana Addai Baffuor, and his queenmother, Ohema Abena Amponsah, organised a Kente dance and ball in the USA and was able to raise $15,000, after which the members topped it up with an extra $15,000.

He pledged that as the ward took 34 beds, the association, during its second phase of renovation next year, would provide the remaining 19 beds, provide ultrasound machines and some software to ensure that the hardworking staff had the most modern facilities to work with.

He said the association was eager to do more and urged the staff to institute a workable maintenance protocol to ensure that the equipment lasted to achieve the objective for which it was presented.

Chief executive

The Chief Executive Officer of KATH, Dr Joseph Akpaloo, commended the association for the great job done that would bring relief to both patients and health workers.

Just like Oliver Twist, he said, “we are asking for more” and urged the association to provide the hospital with more to address its challenges.

He said both the hospital and the government were doing their part but that was not enough.

Dr Akpaloo stated that on the average, the hospital provided treatment waivers for 58 patients who were indigents, which cost the facility huge sums of money.

He added that another problem facing the hospital was space, but gave an assurance that next year work would restart on the 38-year uncompleted Maternal and Child Health Block of the hospital.