The Eye Centre of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) successfully organized free cataract surgeries for about 64 patients, aimed at restoring sight to individuals affected by cataract-related visual impairment.
A total of 100 patients were screened during the preoperative assessment period. Following medical evaluation, 64 patients were deemed fit and successfully underwent the cataract surgery. The remaining 36 patients were deferred due to underlying health conditions that require further medical management before surgery.
This initiative forms part of the hospital’s ongoing commitment to improving eye health and reducing avoidable blindness, particularly among underserved populations.
Cataract remains one of the leading causes of preventable blindness in Ghana, with many affected individuals unable to access surgical treatment due to financial constraints. To support such patients, the Eye Centre, through strategic partnerships, periodically organizes sponsored cataract surgeries to ensure equitable access to quality eye care.
The free cataract surgery was scheduled to coincide with the festive season, reinforcing the hospital’s goal of improving quality of life and social participation for beneficiaries. The exercise was planned for December 19, 2025. The screening session began on December 8th and ran through to December 18th, 2025.
The surgery took place at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital's Eye Centre. A valid National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) card and being at least 18 years old were the prerequisites for eligibility.
The surgical procedures were led by Dr. Andrew Elikem Akafo, Specialist Ophthalmologist, the team lead, and head of Outreach Services at the Eye Centre. He was supported by a team of experienced ophthalmic surgeons.
The team was further assisted by resident doctors in training and dedicated nurses in all the various units, whose contributions ensured smooth and efficient surgical outcomes.
According to Dr. Akafo, the outreach was intentionally organized as a “gift of sight” during the Christmas season, symbolizing hope and renewed life for beneficiaries.
Dr. Akafo highlighted that the outreach program was made possible through a collaboration between Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and an international non-governmental organization under the “Cure Blindness Project.” This partnership continues to play a vital role in supporting patients who cannot afford cataract surgery, thereby significantly reducing the burden of preventable blindness.
Following the surgery, patients were transferred to the recovery care room, where they were closely monitored. Comprehensive postoperative education was provided, focusing on proper eye care and hygiene, medication adherence and activity restrictions to promote healing.
Patients were also given dark glasses to protect the eye from flashes of light and post-surgical medication to ensure optimal recovery.
The free cataract surgery initiative successfully restored sight to 64 individuals, greatly improving their independence, productivity, and overall quality of life.
The Eye Centre remains committed to conducting similar outreach programs as part of its broader mission to eliminate avoidable blindness in Ghana. Continued collaboration with partners and stakeholders is essential to sustaining and expanding these life-changing interventions.
A three-member delegation from Rapid Courier Ghana, led by the Director of Operations, Mrs. Dinah Brandful, has donated 350 biohazard medical bins to support effective waste management in Korle Bu.
In her remarks, Mrs. Brandful explained that the company recognizes the increasing incidence of secondary infections in hospital wards, often caused by improper disposal of medical waste during procedures. This concern, she noted, motivated Rapid Courier to make the donation as part of its efforts to help reduce secondary infections within the hospital.
The Executive Partner, Madam Adelaide Amoateng, also reaffirmed Rapid Courier’s commitment to contributing to healthcare delivery in Ghana, one step at a time. She stated that the company’s headquarters is located in Atlanta, Georgia in the United States of America, with over 15 branches across Africa including Ghana’s branch which is situated at the Kotoka International Airport.
Receiving the donation on behalf of the hospital’s management, the Director of Nursing and Midwifery Services , Mrs. Aimee Akotey, described the gesture as timely, especially at the beginning of the year. She expressed appreciation to Rapid Courier and emphasized that the biohazard bins would go a long way in strengthening the hospital’s fight against secondary infections.
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.
