The Austrian Secretary of State, H.E. Sepp Schellhorn, today paid a courtesy call on the Chief Executive of the Hospital as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration in newborn hearing care.
He was accompanied by Ambassador Jürgen Heissel; Deputy Chief of Cabinet, Mr Christian Autengruber (Office of the State Secretary); Mr Moritz Zajicek (Office of the State Secretary); Mr Jakob Lundwall; Austrian press journalist, Mr Joshua Mingers; and other members of his delegation.
In his address, H.E. Sepp Schellhorn reaffirmed Austria’s commitment to its continued engagement with the Hospital to improve newborn hearing care. He explained that the purpose of the visit was to assess the impact of the previous programme and to initiate further engagements aimed at strengthening the bilateral ties.
The Chief Executive Officer, Dr Yakubu Seidu Adam, stated that beyond the numbers, the programme has enriched clinical capacity, enhanced cochlear implant services, increased public awareness, and demonstrated how international collaboration can build sustainable local expertise. “Together, we have laid a strong foundation,” he added.
The former Head of the Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, Prof. Emmanuel Dornu Kitcher, called for increased capacity-building in rehabilitation and speech therapy training to further improve patient outcomes.
During a tour of the Audiology Centre, the Chief Audiologist, Madam Jemima Fynn, disclosed that 11,000 newborns have been screened, with 21 babies diagnosed with profound hearing loss. She further indicated that 41 ears have received cochlear implants, some bilateral and others unilateral.
A mother, Madam Akua Agyeiwaa Osei, whose three-year-old son, Ayeyi Paa Kwesi Barnes, was diagnosed with hearing loss and received a cochlear implant in September last year, expressed her excitement at the significant improvement she has observed. “He responds to his name now and to sounds around him,” she said.
This testimony underscores the importance of the programme with both parties pledging to continue collaborating to improve patient outcomes.
Senior Management of the Hospital present were Dr. Frank Owusu Sekyere- Director, Medical Affairs; Mr. Munir Alhassan- Director of Administration; Mr. Yehuza Jawula- Director Human Resources; Dr. Charles Ofei-Palm – Director of Pharmacy; Rev. Aimee Esinam Akotey – Director of Nursing and Midwifery Services; Mrs. Cynthia Gyakyie– Acting Director General Services; Dr. Kenneth Baidoo- HOD, New Allied; Mr. Ibrahim Abu-Jajah – Acting Chief Internal Auditor; Madam Patience Adjei- DCNO ENT and Mr. Mustapha Salifu – Head of Public Relations, KBTH.
The Ambassador of the Czech Republic, H.E. Pavel Bílek, paid a courtesy call on the Chief Executive Officer and Central Management Team of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital to strengthen collaboration on kidney transplantation.
The visit centred on building a strategic partnership between the hospital and the Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKEM) in Prague, Czechia’s leading transplant centre. IKEM has expressed strong interest in supporting Korle Bu through capacity building in kidney transplantation, specialist training, clinical advisory services, systems development, and research exchange.
During the meeting, both parties discussed practical modalities for collaboration, identified mutual priorities, and explored broader healthcare partnership opportunities. The engagement underscored Korle Bu’s strategic role in strengthening Ghana’s national transplant capacity, enhancing specialist training, improving clinical outcomes, and promoting healthcare innovation through international partnerships.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Hospital, Dr. Yakubu Seidu Adam praised the Ambassador for his continued support and called for the expansion of the programme to include advanced training opportunities for Korle Bu medical professionals in the Czech Republic.
Ms. Beata Matušíková, Head of Trade and Economic Cooperation at the Embassy, advised the hospital to submit detailed specifications of required equipment and a comprehensive outline of training needs to ensure appropriate support. She reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to facilitating a partnership tailored to the hospital’s priorities.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to align cooperation objectives, designate focal persons and technical teams, and establish clear follow-up actions and communication channels towards a formal partnership framework.
Other members of the management team who were present were Director, Medical Affairs, Dr. Frank Owusu Sekyere; Director of Pharmacy, Dr. Charles Offei-Palm; Deputy Director Administration, Madam Gertrude Kinney, Ag. Chief Internal Auditor, Mr. Ibrahim Abu Jajah and Head of Public Relations, Mr. Mustapha Salifu.
The Ambassador of the Czech Republic, H.E. Pavel Bílek, paid a courtesy call on the Chief Executive Officer and Central Management Team of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital to strengthen collaboration on kidney transplantation.
The visit centred on building a strategic partnership between the hospital and the Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKEM) in Prague, Czechia’s leading transplant centre. IKEM has expressed strong interest in supporting Korle Bu through capacity building in kidney transplantation, specialist training, clinical advisory services, systems development, and research exchange.
During the meeting, both parties discussed practical modalities for collaboration, identified mutual priorities, and explored broader healthcare partnership opportunities. The engagement underscored Korle Bu’s strategic role in strengthening Ghana’s national transplant capacity, enhancing specialist training, improving clinical outcomes, and promoting healthcare innovation through international partnerships.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Hospital, Dr. Yakubu Seidu Adam praised the Ambassador for his continued support and called for the expansion of the programme to include advanced training opportunities for Korle Bu medical professionals in the Czech Republic.
Ms. Beata Matušíková, Head of Trade and Economic Cooperation at the Embassy, advised the hospital to submit detailed specifications of required equipment and a comprehensive outline of training needs to ensure appropriate support. She reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to facilitating a partnership tailored to the hospital’s priorities.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to align cooperation objectives, designate focal persons and technical teams, and establish clear follow-up actions and communication channels towards a formal partnership framework.
Other members of the management team who were present were Director, Medical Affairs, Dr. Frank Owusu Sekyere; Director of Pharmacy, Dr. Charles Offei-Palm; Deputy Director Administration, Madam Gertrude Kinney, Ag. Chief Internal Auditor, Mr. Ibrahim Abu Jajah and Head of Public Relations, Mr. Mustapha Salifu.
The Chief Executive of the National Ambulance Service (NAS), Dr (Med) George Kojo Owusu today, paid a courtesy call on the Chief Executive of Korle Bu.
The purpose of the visit is to strengthen the ties of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and the National Ambulance Service to enhance patients experience
In his address, Dr.(Med) Owusu reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to strengthening timely communication and referral co-ordination with Korle Bu.
He explained that the renewed focus on collaboration is critical, as the hospital receives more than 70% of inter-hospital referrals nationwide. “No bed syndrome is not in isolation,” he noted, underscoring the need for practical, system-wide measures to improve referral management and patient flow.
The Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, Dr Yakubu Seidu Adam, emphasised that effective and timely communication between institutions is essential to preventing avoidable complications and minimising casualties. He stressed that seamless information exchange can significantly improve patient outcomes.
He further highlighted the importance of continuous capacity building for NAS personnel and welcomed the recruitment of physician assistants as a positive step. According to him, this initiative will help reduce intervention time and ease pressure on emergency services at the hospital.
Also speaking at the engagement, the Deputy Director of Medical Affairs, Dr Harry Akoto, reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to delivering the highest possible standard of care within available resources. He called for stronger collaboration with other health facilities to help ease the burden on Korle Bu and ensure more efficient distribution of cases across the healthcare system.
Some of Central Management Team who supported the CEO were Dr. Charles Ofei-Palm – Director of Pharmacy; Rev. Aimee Esinam Akotey – Director of Nursing and Midwifery Services; Mrs. Getrude Kinney – Executive Assistant; Mr. Ibrahim Abu-Jajah – Acting Chief Internal Auditor; and Mr. Mustapha Salifu – Head of Public Relations, KBTH
Austria’s Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Jürgen Heissel, has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening health co-operation with Korle Bu, describing the sector as one of the biggest and most important in the country.
Speaking during a visit to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital today, the Ambassador expressed appreciation for the growing collaboration between Austrian partners and Ghanaian health institutions, particularly in the field of Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) care.
“We very much appreciate this important co-operation in the field of health. We are interested in further collaborations and in supporting the implementation of these initiatives where possible,” he said.
The Ambassador noted that an upcoming visit, scheduled for 26 February, offers an opportunity to assess the impact of the partnership so far and to better understand the hospital’s concerns and challenges. He emphasised Austria’s openness to continued dialogue aimed at deepening co-operation between the two countries.
The Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, Dr Yakubu Seidu Adam, welcomed the partnership, describing Korle Bu as a major referral centre that plays a crucial role in training doctors and residents. “Our goal is not to give Ghanaians any reason to travel abroad to seek medical care,” he stressed.
Dr Adam expressed hope that the collaboration would evolve into a structured exchange programme, noting that such an initiative would significantly enhance the skills and exposure of students and medical professionals at the hospital.
The Director of Medical Affairs, Dr Frank Owusu-Sekyere, made a passionate appeal for the continuation and scaling up of the newborn hearing screening programme, which ended in June 2025.
He stressed the need for a more comprehensive approach. “There should be no more pick and choose. It should be mandatory under the free service, as it was before.”
A renowned ENT specialist and former Head of the ENT Department, Prof. Emmanuel Dornu Kitcher, underscored the transformative nature of the collaboration, particularly in the area of cochlear implantation through the partnership with the Austrian company MED-EL, which provided training and equipment for two years until it ended in June 2025.
“You are not giving us fish, but giving us the net to fish,” he remarked, emphasising the capacity-building focus of the partnership.
Korle Bu, he noted, was the first hospital in Ghana to introduce cochlear implantation.
Dr Kenneth Baidoo, Head of the ENT Department, explained that the hospital has been actively seeking international partners to support cochlear implant services. The goal, he said, is not only to perform operations but also to train local doctors and provide the necessary equipment.
During a tour of the Audiology Centre, Chief Audiologist Md Jemima Fynn provided insight into the implementation of the newborn hearing screening programme.
The initiative initially began at the maternity unit under a pilot phase but was later moved to its current location to provide a more serene and controlled environment. Educational sessions were conducted for mothers to raise awareness about early hearing assessment.
The centre operated with four screeners and one diagnostic unit. “Hearing loss often goes unnoticed without a test,” she said, emphasising the importance of early detection to prevent further complications.
Newmont , a gold mining company, has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery with the donation of three vein-finder machines to the Korle Bu Polyclinic/Family Medicine Department (KPFMD).
The equipment, valued at GH₵58,500, is designed to assist clinicians to identify veins more efficiently. This is expected to significantly reduce the challenges often encountered in obtaining venous access, particularly among paediatric, elderly, and emergency patients, while also enhancing the training of Family Physicians at the facility.
Speaking at a brief presentation ceremony, Newmont’s Director of Communication and External Relations, Mr. David Johnson, supported by Ms. Georgina Bartels, Director and People Business Partner, emphasised the company’s dedication to championing initiatives that strengthen the healthcare sector.
Receiving the machines on behalf of the Polyclinic, the Head of Department (HOD), Dr. George Bediako Nketiah, expressed deep appreciation for Newmont’s timely support. He commended his predecessor, Dr. Priscilla Vandyck-Sey, and other staff such as Dr Adwoa Beecham , Dr Maxwell Amo and Dr Ernest Anim Opare for initiating and realizing the support drive.
Dr. Nketiah further lauded the expertise of the medical staff at the facility, describing the Polyclinic as a premier centre staffed with a high number of consultants and Family Physicians dedicated to public health.
“KPFMD is the only centre currently training palliative and geriatric physicians. If anyone gives you these physicians, we trained them,” he stated.
Dr. Nketiah was supported by the Clinical Care Coordinator, Dr. Baaba Damoah, and Mr. Abdul-Shakuru Zakaria, Public Relations Officer.
Nine children have received full medical coverage amounting to approximately GhC1 Million Ghana Cedis through the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF), popularly known as MahamaCares, at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
The Fund presented two cheques on Wednesday 4th February, 2026 to the National Cardiothoracic Center and the Oncology Department of the hospital to cover the cost of treatment of patients.
The Administrator of the Trust Fund, Madam Obuobia Darko-Opoku, presented a cheque of GH¢694,500 to the National Cardiothoracaic Centre . The cheque was received by the Director of the Center, Dr. Kow Entsua-Mensah, to cover the cost of open-heart surgeries for five (5) children.
Madam Darko-Opoku noted that the donation forms part of the 50-patient pilot project ahead of the official rollout of the Fund in April this year, adding, “When we help you, you will do greater things.”
A second cheque in the sum of Two Hundred and Eighty-Two Thousand, Nine Hundred and Fifty-Eight Ghana Cedis, Ninety Pesewas (GH¢282,958.90) was presented to the Oncology Department to support the treatment of four (4) cancer patients.
The Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Yakubu Seidu Adams, on behalf of the Hospital received the cheque and commended the Administrator and her team for their continuous support to patients across various departments. He described the intervention as a great relief to the beneficiaries.
The Hospital’s Board Chairman, Prof. Dr. (Med) Titus Beyuo, expressed satisfaction with the Fund’s swift response to patient needs, describing it as a game changer.
He further called for the decentralization of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund to ensure that all Ghanaians, regardless of location, can benefit from its services.
The Urology and Nephrology Centre of Excellence at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) has received a donation of dialysis consumable from the former Ga West Presbytery Clerk of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), Rev. Dr. Joseph Kofi Antwi. The donation was motivated by his personal experience with illness and his commitment to supporting patients undergoing renal treatment.
Rev. Dr. Antwi explained that his decision to donate was shaped by a challenging period of illness he once endured, during which he faced both physical and emotional distress. Despite these challenges, he observed the struggles of patients contending with chronic illnesses and financial hardship, which inspired him to contribute towards alleviating their difficulties.
The donation was received on behalf of the Centre by Prof. J. E. Mensah, Head of the Urology and Nephrology Centre of Excellence; Prof. Vincent Boiman, Head of the Nephrology Unit; Dr. Frank Owusu Sekyere, Director of Medical Affairs; Erica Akoto Quist, Chief Nursing Officer (CNO); and Mr. William Nartey, Administrator, Accident and Emergency Department.
In his remarks, Prof. J. E. Mensah expressed gratitude to Rev. Dr. Antwi for his continued support and emphasized the importance of donors consulting the Centre regarding its specific needs prior to making donations, to ensure that items are appropriate and useful. Prof. Vincent Boiman also acknowledged Rev. Dr. Antwi’s generosity, recalling that he first donated to the unit two years ago and thanking him for returning this year to provide further support.
Dr. Frank Owusu Sekyere, speaking on behalf of hospital management, highlighted the challenges the hospital faces in obtaining essential dialysis consumables. Drawing from his experience as a paediatrician in the Intensive Care Unit, he noted that the hospital occasionally has to travel as far as the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) to obtain catheters for peritoneal dialysis, adding that the donation would significantly support critically ill children.
Rev. Dr. Joseph Kofi Antwi concluded by encouraging patients to maintain hope and urged the public to support both the hospital and his online prayer network, Divine Encounter. He reaffirmed his commitment to assisting Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and its patients, emphasizing that as long as life continues, there is always hope.
The Chief Executive of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), Dr. Yakubu Seidu Adam, has announced the introduction of In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) services at the hospital’s Reproductive Health Unit of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department.
Dr. Adam described the introduction of IVF services as a major milestone in the hospital’s broader reproductive health agenda, noting that it complements ongoing efforts to strengthen women’s health services, including cervical cancer prevention, particularly for underserved and vulnerable populations across the country.
He made the announcement at the launch of the 2026 Cervical Cancer Screening and Awareness Campaign, held at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Conference Room of the hospital. Dr. Adam disclosed that several attempts had been made over the years to establish IVF services at KBTH and expressed optimism that these efforts have finally materialised. He therefore called for teamwork and collective commitment to ensure the successful rollout and sustainability of the service.
In his remarks, Professor Kweku Asah-Opoku, Head of Reproductive Health at KBTH, underscored the urgent need to intensify education, screening, and vaccination to significantly reduce cervical cancer-related deaths in Ghana.
The Coordinator of the Programme, Rev. Rose Eduful, Deputy Chief Nursing Officer, highlighted the hospital’s unwavering commitment to cervical cancer prevention, stressing that early detection remains one of the most effective tools for saving women’s lives.
Delivering a brief address, the Director of External Affairs at Telecel Foundation Ghana, Mr. Komla Buami, reaffirmed the Foundation’s support for cervical cancer prevention initiatives. He explained that the partnership extends beyond publicity, noting that the MahamaCares initiative has donated colposcopy machines to Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Tamale Teaching Hospital, and Sefwi-Wiawso to strengthen healthcare delivery in underserved communities.
Mr. Buami further announced that Telecel Foundation Ghana has pledged to cover the cost of all medical consumables for the next two years—an intervention expected to provide free cervical cancer screening for at least 10,000 women, thereby eliminating financial barriers to early detection.
The Chairperson for the programme, Professor Samuel Oppong, expressed pride in the impact the campaign has made over the years. He revealed that approximately 3,000 cervical cancer cases are recorded annually in Ghana, with over 50 percent resulting in death, and stressed the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to protect women’s lives through prevention and education.
In a technical presentation, Professor Kweku Asah-Opoku focused on Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, explaining that cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer globally, with about 95 percent of cases occurring in low- and middle-income countries, despite being preventable. He noted that the World Health Organization (WHO) now recommends a single-dose HPV vaccine for girls aged 9 to 14 years, which can prevent up to 90 percent of cervical cancer cases.
Addressing common misconceptions, Dr. James Neequaye debunked myths surrounding HPV vaccination, including claims linking it to infertility, promiscuity, microchips, or herbal alternatives. He emphasized that HPV vaccination is scientifically proven, safe, and lifesaving.
The event ended on a hopeful note as the Chief Executive, departmental heads, nurses, administrative staff, and representatives of Telecel Foundation Ghana joined together in cheering for a healthier and brighter future for women.
Newmont Ghana has strengthened critical and paediatric oncology care at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital with the donation of life-saving medical equipment valued at more than GH¢2 million.
The donation will reinforce the hospital’s capacity to manage emergencies and complex clinical cases.
The equipment comprises ventilators, patient monitors, and blood gas analysers, with cartridges for the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), alongside 10 additional patient monitors for the Paediatric Oncology Unit.
The equipment is expected to significantly enhance diagnostic accuracy, patient monitoring, and critical care delivery at the hospital.
Presenting the equipment, Mr. Danquah Addo-Yobo, Newmont Country Manager, Ghana, said the intervention followed formal requests from the hospital and reflected the company’s broader commitment to supporting quality healthcare in communities where it operates.
“While the financial value of this donation is substantial, its true worth lies in the lives that will be saved,” Mr. Addo-Yobo said. “As a responsible corporate entity, we recognise our role in supporting healthcare systems and contributing to improved patient outcomes.”
Mr. Addo-Yobo reaffirmed Newmont Ghana’s long-standing investment in healthcare development, citing the company’s support for health infrastructure, professional training, and equipment provision. He referenced initiatives such as the establishment of the Tontroso College of Nursing in 2014 through the Newmont Foundation, as well as partnerships that facilitate the supply of medical equipment and knowledge transfer across the country.
Dr. Yakubu Seidu Adam, Chief Executive Officer of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, noted that the hospital serves as Ghana’s leading referral centre and a key medical hub for West Africa, receiving thousands of critically ill patients annually.
He highlighted the immense pressure on the ICU, where neurosurgical procedures, obstetric emergencies, and trauma cases often require immediate critical care.
“The pressure on our Intensive Care Unit is immense. Neurosurgical procedures, obstetric emergencies, and trauma cases often require intensive care support. These ventilators and monitors will make a real difference, and you cannot put a price on their impact, especially when emergencies must be treated immediately, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay.” He added.
He further emphasized the growing burden of childhood cancers and the critical need for modern equipment in paediatric care: “Although we have some of the most skilled healthcare professionals in Ghana and the sub-region, their effectiveness depends on access to functional and modern medical equipment. Reliable monitoring is crucial in paediatric oncology and intensive care to ensure we can save as many lives as possible.” Dr. Adam mentioned.
Dr. Adam also appealed to other corporate institutions to complement government efforts in strengthening Ghana’s healthcare system, stressing that sustained public-private collaboration is essential to meeting the growing demands on tertiary health facilities.
On behalf of the Board, Management, staff, and patients, the Hospital's CEO expressed gratitude for this invaluable contribution towards improving seamless healthcare services.
