Dr. Frank Owusu Sekyere, Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of KBTH
The Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) has announced that renovation works on its Maternity Block are progressing steadily, with an 80 percent completion rate just two months into the project.
The renovation, which began in January 2025 with a six-month completion timeline, is expected to be completed ahead of schedule.
Dr. Frank Owusu Sekyere, Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of KBTH, made this known during a media tour of the hospital’s projects on Monday, March 3, 2025.
He expressed confidence that the contractor would complete the renovation within the next two months.
“The renovation started in January, and the project was given six months to complete. Within just two months, 80 percent of the work has been completed based on the latest certification assessment,” Dr. Owusu Sekyere stated.
“If we have reached 80 percent in two months, it is likely that we will complete the project in another two months.”
The management of KBTH, led by Dr. Owusu Sekyere, inspected various projects, including Ward E, the Orthopaedic Ward (Ward H), the Oxygen Plant, and the construction of the hospital’s perimeter wall to enhance security.
The GH₵3.5 million renovation of the Maternity Block’s facade aims to improve patient safety and upgrade the hospital’s appearance.
In response to concerns over the functionality of hospital elevators, Dr. Owusu Sekyere confirmed that three new lifts had been procured—one each for the Maternity, Surgical, and Medical Blocks. Preparations for their installation are already underway.
While highlighting the progress of hospital renovations, the Acting CEO also addressed the pressing issue of theft within the facility.
He revealed that the hospital had been facing frequent incidents of stolen medical equipment, particularly copper pipes used for oxygen supply to patients.
“It is alarming that people are cutting copper pipes, which could result in a sudden loss of oxygen supply for patients in critical condition,” Dr. Owusu Sekyere lamented.
He disclosed that over the weekend, some individuals were caught attempting to steal electrical cables from the facility, and the case has been reported to the Korle-Bu Police for further investigation.
Replacing stolen copper pipes has cost the hospital approximately GH₵400,000, despite the fact that perpetrators often sell them for as little as GH₵50 as scrap.
“It is ridiculously expensive to replace these pipes. Someone takes a small portion for scrap, but we are paying heavily to fix the damage,” he added.
“We have had to resort to CCTV, but unfortunately, these are not monitored in real time. So, when an incident happens, we can only review footage after the fact.”
The Acting CEO urged the public, especially scrap dealers, to be vigilant and report suspicious individuals attempting to sell hospital equipment, emphasizing the dire consequences of such thefts on patient care.
Despite these challenges, Dr. Owusu Sekyere assured the public that KBTH remains committed to providing uninterrupted medical services, with its oxygen plant functioning optimally to meet the needs of patients.
Dr. Isaac Koranteng, Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, explained that the decision to renovate rather than demolish the existing structure was due to economic challenges, including the domestic debt exchange programme.
“Initially, there were plans to construct an 11-story maternity and gynecology complex to replace the current block. However, given the prevailing economic situation, we decided to strengthen the existing structure instead,” Dr. Koranteng noted.
He assured that the renovation would not disrupt healthcare services, as the internal structures remained fully operational.
“We are still providing care to patients and continuing all activities because the renovation is external, and the internal structures are in good condition.”
Meanwhile, watch a video of AG’s remarks on Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi’s arrest plus more others from the National Economic Dialogue 2025: