GENERAL NEWS

Otumfuo’s ‘Heal Komfo Anokye’ project hits major setback over import duties

The Heal Komfo Anokye Project, aimed at revitalizing the ageing Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) at Kumasi, has faced a setback due to challenges in clearing essential items from the ports.

According to graphic.com.gh, a consignment of imported tiles crucial for the project has been held up at the Tema Harbour, accruing demurrage charges.

To release the 10 containers of tiles, the project is required to pay over GH¢1.7 million in duties, the report added.

Initiated by the Asantehene in collaboration with KATH, the Heal Komfo Anokye project seeks to raise $10 million to renovate the hospital’s Blocks A, B, C, and D.

This renovation is crucial for the 70-year-old tertiary facility and is intended as a legacy project for the 25th anniversary of the enstoolment of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

Efforts to reduce renovation costs included a request to the government, through the Ministry of Finance, for a duty waiver on materials and equipment for the project.

However, despite appeals and efforts by KATH’s Chief Executive Officer, Professor Otchere Addai-Mensah, no acknowledgement or response has been received from the ministry regarding the waiver request.

Samuel Adu-Boakye, Chairman of the project, is reported to have emphasized the importance of government support in facilitating the project’s progress.

With only 39% of the $10 million target achieved so far, diverting funds to pay import duties would severely impact the project’s feasibility.

Adu-Boakye highlighted cost-saving measures undertaken by the project, including importing certain materials for quality and price advantages.

For example, importing tiles has enabled savings of close to 40%, compared to purchasing locally.

Additionally, sourcing directly from manufacturers helps avoid supplier profit margins.

The situation’s urgency has prompted appeals for government intervention, with hopes that political leadership and the Asantehene will provide support to expedite the project’s completion.

KATH, as the sole tertiary hospital in the middle belt of Ghana, plays a critical role in healthcare delivery, serving patients from about 12 out of the 16 regions.

Despite its significance, the hospital has not undergone major renovations since its construction in 1954.

 

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

Ogyem Solomon

Solomon Ogyem – Media Entrepreneur | Journalist | Brand Ambassador Solomon Ogyem is a dynamic Ghanaian journalist and media entrepreneur currently based in South Africa. With a solid foundation in journalism, Solomon is a graduate of the OTEC School of Journalism and Communication Studies in Ghana and Oxbridge Academy in South Africa. He began his career as a reporter at OTEC 102.9 MHz in Kumasi, where he honed his skills in news reporting, community storytelling, and radio broadcasting. His passion for storytelling and dedication to the media industry led him to establish Press MltiMedia Company in South Africa—a growing platform committed to authentic African narratives and multimedia journalism. Solomon is the founder and owner of Thepressradio.com, a news portal focused on delivering credible, timely, and engaging stories across Ghana and Africa. He also owns Press Global Tickets, a service-driven venture in the travel and logistics space, providing reliable ticketing services. He previously owned two notable websites—Ghanaweb.mobi and ShowbizAfrica.net—both of which contributed to entertainment and socio-political discussions within Ghana’s digital space. With a diverse background in media, digital journalism, and business, Solomon Ogyem is dedicated to telling impactful African stories, empowering youth through media, and building cross-continental media partnerships.

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