The Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, with other officials from the ministry, has paid an unannounced visit to the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department and the Department of Surgery at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. During the visit, he stated that he had received numerous complaints from the public and decided to witness the situation first-hand.
He indicated that a meeting with hospital management would be held to deliberate on how best to find practical solutions to the issues identified. He emphasized that finding effective solutions was the most important priority at the moment.
Hon. Akandoh noted that the problem of faulty lifts had been identified some time ago and that steps were already underway to address it. Approval has been granted for the repair and procurement of new lifts, and the processes for their installation are currently ongoing.
He also announced that new Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and policy directions are being developed to enhance healthcare delivery.
As part of broader reforms, the Minister revealed a new government policy whereby all medical equipment procured or used at the facility will be associated with a dedicated account. Revenue generated from the use of such equipment will be deposited into this account and used exclusively for maintenance and repairs.
He stressed the importance of ensuring that revenue-generating units within the hospital remain operational at all times.
The Minister expressed concern about the poor maintenance culture observed at the facility and called for immediate improvements in that regard.
In a related development, an Oncology Nurse Speacialist, Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti, approached the Minister to share the news of her recent recognition in an international award scheme. She had been selected among the top ten out of 100,000 applicants and was the only Ghanaian to receive the honour. The Minister congratulated and encouraged her, commending her for her outstanding achievement.
The visit was attended by several key members of the hospital’s Central Management Team, including the Director of Medical Affairs, Dr. Frank Owusu-Sekyere; the Director of Nursing and Midwifery, Mrs. Grace Anyomi; the Director of Pharmacy, Dr. Charles Ofei-Palm; the Director of Finance, Mr. Gideon Gawuga; the Director of Administration, Mr. Alhassan Munir; the Director of General Services, Mr. Fredrick Ado-Yobo; the Director of Human Resources, Mr. Jawula Yehuza; and the Head of Public Relations, Mr. Mustapha Salufu, along with heads of the respective departments and other hospital staff.
Korle Bu Teaching Hospital is taking steps to reduce its dependence on the national power grid by exploring solar energy solutions for its critical care units. This initiative received a boost following a visit by the Member of Parliament for Ablekuma South, Hon. Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije, who reaffirmed his commitment to support the hospital’s transition to renewable energy.
The MP’s visit, accompanied by a team of engineers, stems from a pledge he made during the hospital’s 2024 Annual Performance Review, where he served as Chairperson. During the visit, hospital management shared ongoing efforts to improve energy sustainability.
Acting CEO of Korle Bu, Dr Frank Owusu-Sekyere, welcomed the delegation and emphasised the hospital’s long-term goal of becoming energy self-sufficient. He revealed that a pilot solar project at the Accident and Emergency Department is approximately 70% complete. Plans are in place to extend solar power to key departments, including the operating theatres and intensive care unit, which require uninterrupted electricity.
“We are currently conducting feasibility studies to determine how best to scale up,” Dr Owusu-Sekyere said.
Engineer Kenneth Arthur, speaking on behalf of the technical team, highlighted the support of the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Health in promoting green energy adoption in major health facilities. He stressed the importance of selecting durable, efficient solar systems tailored to the hospital’s needs.
Ing. Arthur added that he will work closely with the hospital to gather essential data, identify priority areas, and develop a comprehensive solar installation plan. A technical committee will be formed to assist with this process. The goal is to complete all planning, design, and budgeting by the end of the year, ahead of the hospital’s next annual review.
Key members of the hospital’s management present at the meeting included Acting Director of Finance, Mr Gideon Gawuga; Director of General Services, Mr Frederick Addo-Yobo; Director of Administration, Mr Munir Alhassan; Acting Director of Medical Affairs, Dr Harry Akoto; Director of Human Resources, Mr Yahuza Jawula; and Head of Public Relations, Mr Mustapha Salifu.
The 2025 Refresher Course for Anaesthetists commenced today at the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) Conference Room at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
This annual course, mandated by the West African College of Surgeons (WACS), ensures that anaesthetists in the region remain highly skilled and up to date with the latest advancements in their field.
In his opening address, Dr Frank Owusu-Sekyere, the Acting CEO of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, urged participants to enhance their communication with patients and maintain thorough documentation to prevent legal suits.
He also advised junior residents to regularly consult their senior colleagues to avoid miscommunication and potential gaps in patient care.
Dr Andrews Kwabena-Adade, Head of the Department, emphasised the evolving nature of anaesthesia and the importance of staying abreast of new techniques and research. He also acknowledged the contributions of the organisers and sponsors in making the event possible.
The first day of the course covered critical topics such as neuroanaesthesia and thrombolysis for myocardial infarction. Subsequent sessions will delve into gastrointestinal physiology, hepatobiliary surgery, post-operative ileus, advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS), renal physiology, paediatric advanced life support (PALS), and more.
The event will conclude with a Ventilation Workshop on 28 February at the University of Ghana Medical College (UGMC) Simulation Centre in Legon.
The opening day of the Refresher Course was a success, with 70 participants attending in person and 120 joining online.
The Ag. Chief Executive of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr. Frank Owusu-Sekyere, today, led the Central Management Team in a meeting with the leadership of the hospital’s Welfare Committee.
The discussion focused on staff welfare, with a key issue being the expansion of the benefits package and coverage under the staff medicare scheme.
The Welfare Committee Chairman, Mr. Collins Addai, who led his team to the meeting, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage with management. He emphasized the importance of expanding the coverage of the staff medicare scheme and assured Management that his team would deliberate on the proposal and provide feedback promptly.
Mr. Addai also appealed for regular engagements with management to explore additional ways to enhance staff welfare.
In a heartwarming demonstration of love and care, Beyond Accra Concierge Ltd. and its philanthropic arm, Beyond Cares, has made a significant donation to those in need at the Maternity Department.
Under the leadership of Carl F. Koranteng and the team, they are not just dedicated to the success of the company but also giving back to society.
Through Beyond Cares, the company has long been committed to supporting local communities and improving the lives of the less privilege and this is their third year of reaching out to the department.
Their generous donation included 302 packs of diapers, 302 packs of wipes, and 115 packs of baby formula. These essential items were distributed to all new born mothers from the first to the fifth floor.
Some were also taken to the first floor labour ward and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Carl F. Koranteng emphasized that the purpose of Beyond Cares goes beyond just corporate charity—it’s about making a lasting, positive impact on society. “At Beyond Accra Concierge, we believe in not only providing excellent service but also in creating a difference in the world. Beyond Cares is our way of giving back, and we hope this donation will bring some comfort to the families in need,” he shared.
The company’s commitment to helping others is a core part of its values, and the generosity shown through this donation exemplifies their dedication to corporate social responsibility.
Beyond Accra Concierge Ltd. and Beyond Cares will continue their efforts to support communities and help those who need it most.
The Acting Chief Executive of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr. Frank Owusu-Sekyere, visited the ongoing renovation project at the Maternity Block yesterday to assess the progress of the work.
Upon arrival, the Sub-BMC Engineer, Mr. Ebenezer Zidah, and Site Foreman, George Darko, briefed Dr. Owusu-Sekyere on the progress made so far.
The site foreman assured the Acting CEO that the renovation was proceeding as planned. “We are working diligently to ensure the project stays on track,” he said. “As the renovation progresses, we anticipate significant improvements to the structure and appearance of the building.”
Dr. Owusu-Sekyere commended the team for the steady progress made so far and urged them to complete the project within the set timeline and without exceeding the budget.
The renovation, which commenced in December 2024, is progressing rapidly, with significant improvements underway. The project includes both external and internal work.
The external work involves track repairs, the removal of damaged beams, the replacement of rusted metal grills, casting of a new concrete slab, and the repair and repainting of the building’s façade. Additional exterior work includes restoring the building to its original condition and painting.
On the interior, broken windows and doors will be replaced to ensure the building meets modern standards. The project, managed by Jilcon Engineering Limited, is expected to be completed by June 2025.
In light of the ongoing renovations, some units within the departments have temporarily relocated. The Hospitality Office has moved to Labour Ward 2; General Administration to the Maternity 3rd floor; Accounts to the Maternity 5th floor and also a temporary structure adjacent to the original Accounts Office on the ground floor. Engineering remains in its original location.
The Acting Chief Executive of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr. Frank Owusu-Sekyere has commended the Faculty of Psychiatry of the West African College of Physicians for maintaining a high standard of residency training at the Hospital’s Psychiatry Department.
He highlighted that the department’s staff and residents consistently deliver five-star patient care, reflecting the excellence of the training programme.
Dr. Owusu-Sekyere made these remarks during a meeting with the accreditation team from the West African College of Physicians. The team, led by Dr. Taiwo Lateef Sheikh visited Korle Bu Teaching Hospital to assess and renew the accreditation of the Department of Psychiatry or Psychiatry Sub-BMC.
The department was granted a five-year accreditation in 2020, which is set to expire this year. To facilitate the renewal process, the visiting team met with the Acting Chief Executive and other senior management members to discuss the way forward.
Speaking at the meeting, the Acting Director of Medical Affairs, Dr. Harry Akoto emphasised the vital role of accreditation in elevating institutional growth.
He noted that maintaining accreditation not only enhances the hospital’s reputation but also ensures continuous improvement in patient care.
Management and staff of the Laboratory Sub-BMC at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital recently honoured retired Laboratory Manager Mr. George Kpentey during an end-of-year awards and farewell ceremony.
The event, held last Friday, at Bukom Arena, recognized 25 staff members for exceptional service. A posthumous award was presented to the Late Mr. Leonard Abbey, Laboratory Assistant at the Microbiology Unit, as the department’s Overall Best Worker.
Mr. George Kpentey, who retired after decades of dedicated service, was celebrated for exceptional contributions to the Central Laboratory. Appointed Laboratory Manager in 2019, he spearheaded initiatives that elevated the facility’s standards, and this includes securing international accreditation in 2020. Under his leadership, the laboratory transitioned from financial deficits to profitability and growth.
Mr. Kpentey navigated financial losses and had to set up committees to deal with some of the challenges that confronted the laboratory. By assembling a dedicated team to identify systemic inefficiencies and implement corrective strategies, he stabilized operations and restored confidence in the laboratory’s health.
The Acting Chief Executive Officer of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr. Frank Owusu-Sekyere, praised Mr. Kpentey’s legacy: “His innovative approaches revolutionized the laboratory’s performance and succeeded in turning it into a financially viable and internationally respected institution.”
In his farewell address, Mr. Kpentey expressed profound gratitude to past and present CEOs, Heads of Department (HODs), Medical Directors, and Laboratory staff. “Every achievement was a collective effort,” he emphasized. He also acknowledged mentors such as the first Laboratory Manager, Mr. David Tete Donkor, Very Rev. Kingsley Offe-Ameyaw, Dr. Seth Amankwaah, and Madam Vida Offei for shaping his career.
Mr. Kpentey urged younger colleagues to prioritize continuous learning and professional development: “Commit to expanding your expertise – it is the foundation of excellence in our field.”
A devoted family man, Mr. Kpentey is married with three adult children. An avid reader and gospel music enthusiast, he also enjoys farming.
The Korle Bu Teaching Hospital’s Nursing Directorate has begun an orientation training program for 575 newly recruited nurses and midwives.
The training aims to equip the new staff with knowledge and skills to deliver quality patient care.
Key topics discussed included introduction to the hospital’s history and organizational structure, infection prevention measures, code of ethics, handing over and taking up wards, job descriptions, and appraisal processes.
Deputy Chief Nursing Officer (DCNO) of Infection Prevention Control, Akofa Gaituah emphasized strict infection prevention protocols, including frequent handwashing and proper waste disposal. She introduced the “Catch, Bin, and Kill” method to prevent infections.
The orientation training was deemed a success, with participants gaining valuable insights into their new roles and responsibilities.
