On a historic occasion that underscores Ghana’s commitment to advancing medical excellence, former President John Dramani Mahama officially commissioned the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares) Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory (Cath Lab) at the National Cardiothoracic Centre of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) in Accra. The event, held on Thursday, marked not only the restoration of a critical healthcare facility but also the inauguration of a cutting-edge, high-capacity cardiac care centre designed to revolutionize diagnostic and interventional cardiology in Ghana.
The Significance of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory
A cardiac catheterization laboratory is a highly specialized medical facility equipped with advanced fluoroscopy, X-ray imaging, and real-time monitoring systems to facilitate minimally invasive procedures. These procedures include:
– Coronary angiography (diagnosing blocked or narrowed arteries)
– Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), such as angioplasty and stent placement (restoring blood flow in obstructed vessels)
– Structural heart interventions (treating valve diseases, atrial septal defects, and other congenital anomalies)
– Electrophysiology studies (diagnosing and treating abnormal heart rhythms)
– Neurovascular interventions (emergency stroke treatment via thrombolysis or mechanical thrombectomy)
The facility’s establishment ensures that Ghanaians no longer need to rely on expensive overseas referrals for life-saving cardiac procedures, significantly reducing healthcare costs and improving access to timely treatment.
President Mahama’s Vision for Equitable Healthcare
In his address to the gathering, President Mahama emphasized that the Cardiac Cath Lab is a cornerstone in Ghana’s quest for a robust, inclusive, and future-ready healthcare system. He stated:
“This facility is more than just a building—it is a testament to our belief that every Ghanaian, regardless of their socioeconomic background or geographical location, deserves access to world-class medical care. Healthy citizens are the bedrock of national progress. They drive productivity, strengthen families, and empower businesses to thrive.”
The President underscored that investing in healthcare is an investment in Ghana’s human capital, directly contributing to economic growth, educational attainment, and social stability. He commended the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares), the Ministry of Health, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, and all stakeholders for their unwavering dedication in bringing this project to fruition.
Overcoming Adversity: From Destruction to Reinvention
The journey to this milestone was not without challenges. In March 2025, a devastating fire destroyed the original Cardiac Cath Lab, disrupting critical cardiac services and placing immense strain on healthcare providers. The incident halted life-saving procedures, forced patients to seek treatment abroad, and increased the burden on already overstretched medical facilities.
President Mahama acknowledged the setback but framed the reinauguration as an opportunity for progress and resilience:
“Today, we are not just rebuilding what was lost—we are constructing something better, stronger, and more advanced. This new facility is a symbol of Ghana’s determination to overcome adversity and emerge even more capable in delivering high-quality cardiac care.”
The new Cath Lab is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including digital subtraction angiography (DSA), advanced imaging software, and automated patient monitoring systems, ensuring higher precision, faster diagnostics, and improved patient outcomes.
Expanding Healthcare Infrastructure: Beyond Cardiac Care
Beyond the Cardiac Cath Lab, President Mahama announced two major healthcare infrastructure projects to further enhance Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital’s capacity:
- Construction of a New Maternity Block
- The government is proceeding with the procurement for a modern, high-tech maternity ward to replace outdated facilities and improve maternal and neonatal care.
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The old Guggisberg building, which has been deemed unsafe and hazardous, will be demolished to eliminate risks to both mothers and healthcare workers.
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Strengthening National Cardiothoracic Services
- The National Cardiothoracic Centre (NCTC) at KBTH, which performs over 600 cardiac, thoracic, and vascular surgeries annually, will benefit from the new Cath Lab’s advanced capabilities.
- The centre also records approximately 12,000 patient visits yearly, including 1,500 new referrals, highlighting the critical role it plays in Ghana’s healthcare landscape.
A Legacy of Cardiac Care: From Vision to Reality
President Mahama recalled that during his first term (2012-2016), he personally commissioned the first Cardiac Cath Lab at Korle-Bu, addressing a long-standing gap in Ghana’s cardiac healthcare delivery. Over the past decade, this facility has saved thousands of lives, enabling local treatment for conditions that once required foreign intervention.
The new Cath Lab not only restores lost services but also expands capacity, allowing for:
– Faster diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD)
– Advanced interventions for structural heart diseases (e.g., transcatheter aortic valve replacement, or TAVR)
– Emergency stroke care through mechanical thrombectomy, where every minute counts in saving brain tissue.
Minister of Health and Key Stakeholders’ Perspectives
Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister of Health, described the project as a game-changer for Ghana’s healthcare system, reducing reliance on costly overseas referrals and ensuring that life-saving cardiac procedures are accessible within the country.
Mrs. Obuobia Opoku-Darko, Administrator of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, praised President Mahama’s visionary leadership, stating:
“Few leaders have the privilege of initiating a transformative project and later returning to restore it after adversity. President Mahama’s commitment to the Ghanaian people remains unwavering—this Cath Lab is a symbol of compassion, resilience, and national progress.”
Dr. Yakubu Seidu Adam, CEO of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, hailed the inauguration as a turning point in Ghana’s healthcare delivery, ensuring that patients no longer face unnecessary delays or financial burdens in accessing critical cardiac care.
Dr. Kow Entsua-Mensah, Director of the National Cardiothoracic Centre, provided statistical insight into the centre’s impact:
– 600+ cardiac, thoracic, and vascular surgeries performed annually
– 12,000+ patient visits, including 1,500 new referrals
– Specialized care for complex conditions, including congenital heart defects, peripheral vascular diseases, and neurovascular emergencies
The Future of Ghana’s Cardiac Healthcare
The inauguration of the new Cardiac Cath Lab is a landmark achievement in Ghana’s healthcare journey, reflecting the government’s long-term strategy to:
✅ Strengthen medical infrastructure with modern, high-tech facilities
✅ Develop a skilled healthcare workforce through training and specialization
✅ Promote medical innovation by investing in research and advanced technologies
✅ Ensure universal access to quality healthcare, regardless of socioeconomic status
President Mahama concluded his remarks by challenging future generations to build upon this foundation:
“Let history record that this generation chose to invest not only in roads, bridges, and buildings—but in the health, dignity, and future of our people. The true measure of this facility’s success will be the lives it saves, the families it reunites, and the hope it restores to countless Ghanaians.”
This historic milestone underscores Ghana’s commitment to medical excellence, ensuring that every citizen has access to life-saving cardiac care—right here, in Ghana.