KATH Mother and Baby Unit project stalls for 14 months over unpaid debts

Construction of the long-awaited Mother and Baby Unit (MBU) at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) has been suspended for 14 months, raising serious concerns about the project's viability. The stall is attributed to significant payment arrears owed to the contractor, which has effectively brought all site activities to a standstill. Project officials indicate that the lack of funding is not only delaying the opening of the facility but is also causing structural and material waste.

Consultant Project Manager Emmanuel Fobi Asabere has warned that the prolonged inactivity is leading to the deterioration of construction materials currently stored on-site. According to Mr. Asabere, some materials have already become defective due to exposure and neglect during the 14-month hiatus. The project, which was initially planned as an 850-bed facility, has already undergone a substantial redesign, scaling it down to a 509-bed unit to manage costs and technical requirements. These modifications have added layers of complexity and expense to the stalled development.

Currently, the physical construction of the facility is estimated to be 56% complete, while the procurement of medical equipment and other essentials has reached 75%. Despite these milestones, the contractor cannot proceed with the final stages of the build without the settlement of outstanding debts. The delay represents a setback for the region's healthcare infrastructure, as the new unit is intended to alleviate congestion and improve outcomes for mothers and newborns at one of Ghana’s most critical teaching hospitals.

The project's management emphasizes that the longer the site remains dormant, the more expensive the final completion will become. Beyond the immediate financial costs, the delay impacts the hospital’s ability to provide specialized care in a modern environment. Stakeholders are now calling for the government to prioritize the release of funds to prevent further damage to the existing structure and ensure the project is delivered to the public as soon as possible.