Korle Bu Teaching Hospital has taken a significant step toward shaping its future with the launch of its 2026–2030 strategic planning process. The inception meeting, held on 1st December 2025, brought together members of the Strategic Plan Development Committee and other key stakeholders, marking the start of what is expected to be one of the hospital’s most comprehensive planning exercises in recent years.
Presiding over the meeting, the Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Yakubu Seidu Adam, stressed the urgent need for a clear and purposeful roadmap as the current strategic plan comes to an end this year. He reiterated that without a strong framework, the hospital risks operating without measurable progress, and he outlined the institution’s intention to sharpen its focus on essential areas such as staff development and clinical care.
Dr. Adam emphasised the need for clear clinical standards and called for broad involvement from Heads of Administration, Directors, and external consultants to ensure the plan reflects the full spectrum of the hospital’s operations and ambitions.
Adding depth to the discussion, Mr. Pius Agbeviadey, Acting Deputy Director of PPME, outlined the roadmap for developing the new plan. He revealed that a review of the hospital’s vision and mission is already under way. Korle Bu, he said, is positioning itself to become a leading hub for advanced, specialised, and complex medical care, offering cutting-edge and even experimental procedures often unavailable at typical tertiary hospitals. Evaluating the hospital’s progress since 2020 will form a crucial part of the preparation phase.
The meeting also introduced the structure guiding the planning process. A dedicated Working Group of technical experts will lead the drafting of the plan, with the flexibility to form subcommittees and draw on external expertise as needed. This committee includes Dr. Frank Owusu Sekyere, serving as Chairman, alongside key members such as Mr. Munir Alhassan, Mr. Yehuza Jawula, Dr. Harry Akoto, Mr. Pius Agbeviadey, Dr. Philip Amo, Dr. Bernice Addom, Dr. Elorm Otchi, Dr. Lloyd Baffoe, Dr. Francisca Zigah, Mr. Benjamin Amu Doodu, Mr. Mustapha Salifu, Mr. Felix Debrah, and Mr. Khalil Bawah, with Miss Ivy McArthur-Danquah acting as Secretary. Their diverse expertise spans administration, clinical care, public health, biomedical engineering, pharmacy, quality improvement, and communications, ensuring that the strategic plan will reflect the hospital’s full operational spectrum.
With the planning process now officially under way and guided by this dedicated committee, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital enters a pivotal moment in its institutional journey, one that promises to define its direction, ambitions, and priorities over the next five years.
The Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Health, has donated eight anaesthesia machines to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s healthcare delivery system.
Presenting the equipment during a working visit to the hospital, the Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, stated that the donation forms part of a nationwide distribution of 50 anaesthesia machines to hospitals across Ghana. The initiative is aimed at retooling health facilities and ensuring that medical professionals have the essential equipment needed to provide safe and quality healthcare.
Hon. Akandoh emphasised the importance of putting the machines to immediate use, directing that they should be installed and operational without delay. He noted that the equipment was provided to enhance service delivery, not for storage. “These machines must be installed and working right away. Their full benefit can only be realised when they are in use to serve patients,” the Minister said.
He also urged the hospital’s management to ensure proper maintenance and servicing of the equipment to guarantee its longevity and continued efficiency.
The Minister was accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah; Technical Advisor to the Minister, Dr Koku Awoonor; Mr. Tony Goodman, Head of Health Training Institution and Spokesperson for Ministry of Health and members of the Public Relations Team from the Ministry.
From the side of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, the Chief Executive, Dr Seidu Yakubu Adam, led the hospital’s management team, which included the Director of Medical Affairs, Dr Frank Owusu-Sekyere; Director of Pharmacy, Dr Charles Ofei-Palm; Director of Finance, Mr Gideon Gawuga; Acting Director of Nursing and Midwifery, Madam Aimee Akotey; Acting Director of General Services, Madam Cynthia Gyekye; Director of Human Resource, Mr Yehuza Jawula; Deputy Director of PPME, Mr Pius Agbeviadey; Head of Anaesthesia, Dr Andrew Adadae; Head of Biomedical Engineering, Dr Lyold Baffoe; and the Head of Public Relations, Mr Mustapha Salifu.
Receiving the machines, Dr Seidu Yakubu Adam, Chief Executive Officer of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, expressed appreciation to the Minister and the Government for the timely donation. “We are very grateful for this intervention. The machines have come at a crucial time and will significantly improve our capacity to deliver critical surgical and emergency care,” he stated.
Out of the eight anaesthesia machines, two have been allocated to the Department of Plastic and Burns Surgery, with the remaining six to be distributed among other key departments within the hospital.
The presentation at Korle Bu forms part of the Government’s broader commitment to retool health institutions nationwide under the Resetting the Health Sector Agenda, aimed at modernising healthcare infrastructure and improving patient care across the country.
The 2025 Staff Fun Games of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital came off on Saturday, 18th October, with great enthusiasm and participation from staff across the hospital. The event provided an opportunity for relaxation, exercise, and team bonding beyond the usual work environment.
Activities began with a lively aerobics session, after which staff took part in a variety of games and competitions. Track events such as the 100-metre, 200-metre, and 4×100-metre relays kept the energy high, while fun activities like the sack race, lime and spoon, and indoor games including ludo, draughts, scrabble, and the popular oware ensured there was something for everyone.
Thrilling Competitions and Departmental Victories
The competitions produced thrilling moments and impressive performances across departments. In the swimming contest, Sampson Akporful from Psychiatry emerged victorious after a strong showing in the pool. The sack race saw Radiotherapy taking the win in the men’s category, while Louisa Ahiafor from Accident & Emergency (A&E) sprinted to victory in the women’s event.
The lime and spoon race also drew laughter and cheers, with Emmanuel Debrah of New Allied winning the men’s version and Carmel Abena Brabi of A&E taking first place among the women.
Board and Indoor Game Highlights
In the board games, Maxwell Lamptey from the Plastics Department proved unbeatable in male draughts, while Abigail Odoi of Laundry claimed the women’s draughts title. The Ludo competitions saw Joseph Sackey from Central Stores and Deborah Awukubea from CBG emerging as male and female champions respectively.
Table tennis enthusiasts witnessed exciting rallies as Dr. Theodore Boafor of O&G won the men’s contest, with Akweley Victory from the Polyclinic taking the women’s title.
Athletic Feats and Relays
On the track, Derick Kofi Adonu (O&G) and Martha Kumedzina (Cardio) sprinted to victory in the 200-metre races, while Ayamga from Anaesthesia and Louisa Ahiafor (A&E) dazzled spectators with their wins in the men’s and women’s 100-metre races respectively.
In traditional indoor games, Eunice Tagoe from Laundry won the female Oware competition, while Joseph Sackey from the Central Laboratory claimed the male title. The Scrabble contest went to Samuel Akpor of O&G, who demonstrated remarkable wordplay and strategy. The day’s athletic events concluded with Team Medical claiming victory in the 4×100-metre men’s relay.
Laundry Unit Crowned Football Champions
A highlight of the day was the football competition, which saw the Laundry Department crowned champions after a keenly contested final. Their win brought an end to the Cardiothoracic Centre’s previous dominance in the event and drew warm applause from all present.
Participants Share Their Excitement
Speaking after his victory in the table tennis men’s category, Dr. Theodore Boafor of the O&G Department described the event as “a great and fun experience.” He added, “It was a good training for all of us, and I recommend that this game should be organised more often. If possible, other hospitals could be invited to participate so we can build stronger connections through sports.”
Similarly, the Administrator of the Laundry Unit, Mr. Isaac Buckson, expressed his joy after his team’s football victory, saying it had been “a good day with a lively and fun atmosphere.” He commended the organisers for putting together a well-coordinated event and added that he was delighted his unit emerged as overall champions. Mr. Buckson concluded by saying he looks forward to “another exciting and well-organised event next year.”
Management’s Support and Closing Remarks
Beyond the competition, the Fun Games served as a reminder of the importance of teamwork, recreation, and physical well-being among staff who dedicate themselves daily to patient care.
The event was graced by several senior officials, including the Director of Administration, Mr. Munir Alhassan; Deputy Director of Administration, Madam Cynthia Boateng Esq; Acting Director of Nursing and Midwifery Services, Madam Aimée Akotey; Acting Director of Finance, Mr. Gideon Gawuga; Director of Pharmacy, Dr. Charles Ofei-Palm and Head of Public Relations, Mr. Mustapha Salifu. Their presence reflected management’s continued support for initiatives that promote staff welfare and a positive work culture.
As the event drew to a close, staff departed with smiles and renewed energy, a testament to the success of a day well spent in unity and good spirit.
The Ameer of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission, Maulvi Mohammed Bin Salih, has described the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) as one of Africa’s most prestigious health institutions, saying it is “not just Ghana’s pride — it is Africa’s pride.”
He noted that many doctors and specialists across the continent had passed through the institution, underscoring its enduring legacy in medical education and specialised care.
The Ameer made the remark when a delegation from the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital paid a courtesy call on the leadership of the Mission at its headquarters in Osu, Accra.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief Executive, Dr Yakubu Seidu Adam, the Director of Administration, Mr Munir Alhassan, said the visit formed part of efforts to reach out to strategic institutions to deepen the hospital’s partnership in areas such as medical outreach services, training, and the provision of premium healthcare services.
Maulvi Bin Salih commended the hospital’s goodwill, humility, and commitment to building strategic partnerships aimed at improving national healthcare delivery.
He emphasised the need for empathy and respect in patient care, saying, “We need to restore empathy in our healthcare services and ensure that every patient is treated with dignity.”
The Ameer also spoke candidly about challenges confronting Ghana’s health system, including poor maintenance culture, corruption, and the persistent brain drain affecting the healthcare workforce. He urged health professionals to view their work as a calling rather than merely a career.
“Ghana has been blessed with great human resources, but we must harness them properly,” he said.
He further proposed the introduction of VIP medical services at KBTH to provide high-quality, expedited care for patients who might otherwise seek treatment abroad. “We must make it possible for Ghanaians to have world-class healthcare right here at home,” he added.
A Deputy Ameer of the Mission, and retired Justice of the Court of Appeal, Justice Alhajj Saeed Kwaku Gyan, praised KBTH for its long-standing service to the nation, describing it as a symbol of excellence and compassion.
“When people talk about hospitals, Korle Bu comes to mind,” he said. “It’s reassuring to know that we are indeed together in the healthcare system.”
The meeting concluded with the Ameer presenting gifts to the KBTH delegation as a gesture of goodwill and to symbolise the enduring partnership between the two institutions.
The Korle Bu delegation was led by the Director of Administration, who represented the Chief Executive Officer, Dr Yakubu Seidu Adam. He was accompanied by the Acting Director of Finance, Mr Gideon Gawuga; the Acting Director of Nursing and Midwifery Services, Mrs Aimeé Akotey; the Deputy Director of Supply Chain, Mrs Felicity Commey; and the Head of Public Relations, Mr Mustapha Salifu.
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, former Vice President of the Republic, has settled medical bills for scores of children at the Department of Child Health of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
The gesture formed part of activities commemorating his birthday.
Leading a delegation to make the payments on behalf of the former Vice President, Mrs Akosua Manu, a Special Aide at his office, explained that the initiative was inspired by Dr Bawumia’s compassion for children, especially those facing health challenges.
More than GHS 80,000 was donated towards the payment of medical bills and the purchase of essential medicines for the children.
The in-charges of the respective wards received the funds on behalf of the beneficiaries and expressed heartfelt appreciation to Dr Bawumia and his team. They described the donation as a timely intervention that has brought hope and relief to the affected families.
The visit was filled with smiles, gratitude, and heartfelt prayers for Dr Bawumia, whose birthday was marked by spreading kindness and joy to children in need.
A team led by the Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), Mr Harry Hanson, has officially handed over a new standby generator set to the National Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and Burns Centre of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
During the presentation, Mr Hanson noted that as the premier and oldest hospital in the country, Korle Bu continues to play a critical role in Ghana’s health system.
He explained that the donation follows a request from the hospital for support to enhance its service delivery.
Mr Hanson further stated that the DACF, being a constitutional body mandated to ensure equitable access to essential socio-economic services such as healthcare across the country, found it necessary to respond positively to the Hospital’s appeal.
He expressed confidence that the generator, with a capacity of 500 KVA, will significantly improve power reliability and ensure uninterrupted operations in critical units.
Receiving the generator on behalf of the Hospital, the Chief Executive Officer, Dr Yakubu Seidu Adam, expressed profound appreciation to the DACF for its timely support.
He highlighted that the generator will serve vital departments, including the Plastic Surgery and Burns Centre, the Maternity Department, and the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), all of which rely heavily on stable power to carry out life-saving procedures.
Also present at the brief ceremony were the Acting Director of the National Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and Burns Centre, Dr Edem Anyigba, and other members of management and staff of both the DACF and the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) has welcomed a high-level delegation from Novartis Pharmaceuticals in what both parties described as a significant step towards strengthening collaboration in healthcare delivery, research, and innovation.
The CEO of KBTH, Dr Yakubu Seidu Adam, expressed his delight at receiving the Novartis team, describing the company as “one of the biggest pharmaceutical firms in the world.” He extended a warm welcome on behalf of hospital management and reaffirmed KBTH’s commitment to fruitful partnerships that improve patient outcomes.
Chief Commercial Officer Sub Saharan Africa, Janine Coetsee, praised KBTH for its hospitality, adding that Ghana remains one of Novartis’ top priority markets in Sub-Saharan Africa. “While cardiovascular disease remains our primary focus, we are keen to expand into oncology and ophthalmology—fields that are particularly dear to my heart. We also play a key role in glaucoma and retina care,” she said, noting the importance of strong bilateral relations with KBTH.
Dr. Nicola Lister, Head Medical Affairs, Global Health, emphasised Novartis’ dedication to providing cutting-edge medical innovations, including access to life-changing medicines for less privileged patients. “Our mandate is to improve and extend lives, and it is a privilege to share that mission with an institution like Korle Bu,” she said.
Dr. Mwiti Makathimo, Head External Affairs and Strategic Partnerships, Sub Saharan Africa, highlighted Novartis’ past collaborations with KBTH, particularly in capacity building, training, and scientific education. He stressed the company’s intention to deepen research and clinical development ties.
Chief Sustainability Officer, Kurab Zuka, expressed gratitude for the warm reception, adding that Novartis was optimistic about building a successful, long-term partnership with the hospital.
Dr. Adam outlined KBTH’s mandate to provide excellent clinical care despite longstanding challenges. The hospital has pioneered services such as dialysis and kidney transplants—currently conducted with support from visiting doctors—as part of its effort to build local expertise. KBTH is also a hub for medical research.
He acknowledged that while KBTH continues to provide critical services, the hospital faces persistent challenges, including ageing infrastructure, outdated equipment, congested facilities, limited office space and working tools for residents, as well as delayed reimbursements from the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). These constraints, he noted, make it difficult for the hospital to consistently meet international standards.
However, Dr. Adam stressed that KBTH is determined to overcome these hurdles by improving diagnostic services, modernising its infrastructure to meet Western standards, and introducing a comprehensive electronic medical record system to streamline patient care. The hospital also plans to strengthen human resource development by creating more sub-specialties, expand opportunities for collaborative research, and ensure the availability of essential medicines. He added that these steps are aimed at positioning KBTH as a modern centre of excellence and at maximising potential partnerships, including with Novartis, for the benefit of the Ghanaian population.
The Novartis delegation included Aliah Davis-McHenry, Global Head Corporate Marketing; Evelyn Ofosu, Medical Affairs, Novartis Ghana; Laurent Sigismondi, Global Head Legal; and Dr Isidore Mendeng, Manager, External Affairs & Strategic Partnerships, West Africa.
Also present from Korle Bu Teaching Hospital were Dr Charles Ofei-Palm, Director of Pharmacy; Aimeé Akotey, Acting Director of Nursing and Midwifery Services; Dr Frank Owusu-Sekyere, Director of Medical Services; Yehuza Jawula, Director of Human Resources; Gideon Gawuga, Acting Director of Finance; and Felicity Commey, Deputy Director of Supply Chain.
They were joined by Dr Harry Akoto, Deputy Director of Medical Services; Cynthia F. Gyakye, Deputy Director of General Services; Munir Alhassan, Director of Administration; Mustapha Salifu, Head of Public Relations; Pius Agbeviadey, Acting Deputy Director of PPME; and Gertrude Kinney, Acting Executive Assistant to the CEO.
The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to deepen collaboration in healthcare delivery and innovation for the benefit of patients in Ghana and beyond.
In recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the Walk for Hope 2025 was held to raise awareness and support for children battling cancer.
Participants walked from the Korle Bu Child Health forecourt through the Accra Post Office and surrounding areas, before returning to the Korle Bu Child Health Department, where the programme continued with exercises and engaging activities.
The walk aimed to mobilise public support for the establishment of Ghana’s first-ever 40-bed Paediatric Oncology Treatment Centre, to stand in solidarity with children and families affected by childhood cancer, and to create greater public awareness of the disease.
The event brought together a diverse community of supporters, including Prof. Catherine Segbefia, Head of the Department of Child Health; Prof. Lorna Renner, Head of the Oncology Unit; doctors and nurses from the Department of Child Health; partner clubs; medical students; and staff from various institutions.
Childhood cancer survivors added a creative touch to the programme by showcasing their artistic paintings.
Fun games, such as the lime-on-spoon race, brought joy to children and families.
The Walk for Hope 2025 served as a powerful reminder that when communities unite during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, they inspire hope, compassion, and action for a brighter future.
Staff from the various unit of the Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD) at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital have undergone fire safety training to boost preparedness against emergencies.
The exercise, led by ADO1 Dave Ocran and Leading Fireman Samuel Nkrumah of the Ghana National Fire Service, focused on fire prevention, safe evacuation, and the proper use of extinguishers.
Participants were introduced to the “fire triangle” of oxygen, heat, and fuel, and taught practical survival tips such as crawling to avoid smoke inhalation and the “stop, drop, and roll” technique for extinguishing flames on clothing.
The session also outlined common fire causes including electrical faults, accidents, and arson and stressed the need for clear exit routes in buildings. Staff were trained on the different fire classes and matching extinguishing methods, from water for solid materials to dry chemical powder for gas and liquid fires.
The training combined theory with hands-on practice, leaving staff better equipped to respond quickly and effectively to fire emergencies.
The Founder of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), Pastor Dr. Mensa Otabil, has described the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital as a battlefield and assured that his church will provide the necessary ammunition to help it succeed.
Pastor Otabil made these remarks when a delegation from the Hospital, led by the Board Chairman, Prof. Titus Beyuo, paid a courtesy call to express appreciation for the Church’s consistent support over the last sixteen years.
He acknowledged that working in the health sector is rewarding yet frustrating, emphasising that it is a tough environment that requires resilience, patience, and commitment to deliver quality healthcare to Ghanaians.
Pastor Otabil reiterated that ICGC’s sixteen-year support journey with Korle Bu is only the beginning of many more partnerships to be rolled out to ensure the delivery of seamless healthcare services, particularly in supporting paediatric oncology cases.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Hospital, Dr. Yakubu Seidu Adam, explained that the visit to the Church was to acknowledge and express profound gratitude for its support to over 2,000 patients. “It is only God who can adequately reward you and your members for this generosity over the years,” Dr. Adam concluded.
The Board Chairman of Korle Bu, Prof. Titus Beyuo, while thanking the Founder of ICGC, noted that the visit was an important step towards recognising and valuing the sixteen-year gesture.
The Korle Bu delegation included: Mrs. Mavis Amerley Frimpong Osei, Board Member; Dr. Frank Owusu-Sekyere, Director of Medical Affairs; Mr. Munir Alhassan, Director of Administration; Mrs. Aimee Akotey, Ag. Director of Nursing and Midwifery Services; Mr. Yehuza Jawula, Director of Human Resources; Mr. Gideon Gawuga, Ag. Director of Finance; Mrs. Felicity Commey, Deputy Director of Supply Chain; Prof. Lorna Awo Renner, Paediatric Oncologist; and Mr. Mustapha Salifu, Head of Public Relations.
