Work On KATH Maternity And Children’s Block Stalls Over Unpaid Claims – Project Manager

Work on the Maternity and Children’s Block project at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) has been suspended due to non-payment of claims submitted by the contractor, the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health has been told.

The Committee, led by its Chairman, Hon. Dr Mark Kurt Nawaane, inspected the project on Wednesday to assess its current state of execution and engage stakeholders on efforts to advance its completion.

Briefing the Committee, the Project Manager, Mr Emmanuel Fobi Asabere, disclosed that prior to the suspension, procurement for the project stood at 75 per cent while physical construction was at 56 per cent.

He explained that the project has experienced two major suspensions, primarily due to outstanding payments to the contractor, which have contributed to delays, additional costs and concerns regarding the validity of warranties and the condition of some materials procured.

Despite the challenges, Mr Asabere indicated that the contractor has continued to maintain the site during the suspension periods, with essential materials including air-conditioning equipment, electrical components and building façades already procured and stored pending resumption of construction.

He emphasised that the contractor is awaiting the necessary payments and further engagement with relevant stakeholders to facilitate a return to site.

The Chief Executive Officer of KATH, Dr. (Med) Paa Kwesi Baidoo, underscored the importance of the Block to the hospital’s efforts to strengthen specialised maternal and paediatric healthcare services, noting that the facility represents a significant investment in the future of healthcare delivery at KATH, particularly for mothers, children and families who depend on the hospital for specialised care.

Hon. Dr Nawaane said the Maternity and Children’s Block is an important healthcare infrastructure project whose completion will contribute significantly to strengthening maternal and child healthcare delivery at KATH.

“The Committee recognises the importance of this facility to the hospital and the many patients who depend on its services. From the update provided, it is clear that substantial work has gone into the project, including the procurement of essential materials. We wish to encourage continued engagement among the relevant stakeholders to address the outstanding challenges, particularly those affecting payments and the resumption of construction,” he said.

When completed and operational, the Maternity and Children’s Block is expected to strengthen KATH’s capacity to contribute more effectively to the reduction of maternal and neonatal mortality given its role as a major referral centre for the Ashanti Region and beyond.

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