Construction of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) Mother and Baby Unit in Kumasi has stalled for 14 months. Project consultant Emmanuel Fobi Asabere warns that prolonged payment delays are damaging materials procured for the facility.
Some construction materials, including air-conditioning systems and electrical components, have become defective or expired. Others risk losing their warranty protection due to the extended suspension of work. The contractor cannot resume full-scale construction because payments for work already undertaken remain outstanding.
This delay highlights a recurring challenge in Ghana's public infrastructure projects, where payment arrears often hinder progress. Such stoppages lead to cost overruns and delay the delivery of essential services. The KATH project, initially valued at GHS 188.5 million, now faces additional costs due to these prolonged suspensions. This situation impacts the national budget and the timely provision of critical healthcare infrastructure.
Consultant Project Manager Emmanuel Fobi Asabere disclosed these issues during a visit by Parliament’s Select Committee on Health. He stated that the project has reached approximately 56 per cent physical completion. Procurement, however, stands at 75 per cent complete, with many items now at risk.
Further delays could require manufacturers to revalidate certain materials before installation, potentially increasing costs significantly. This situation puts pressure on public finances, as the government will likely bear these additional expenses. The delay also means continued reliance on existing, often overstretched, maternal and child health facilities.
The project began in November 2019, initially aiming to complete an existing 850-bed structure. Structural defects, however, led to its demolition and redesign into a 509-bed hospital. This redesign itself added to the project's complexity and timeline. The Ghana Institution of Engineers was involved in assessing the structural integrity of the original building.
The ongoing suspension means that the much-needed maternal and child healthcare services will not be available soon. This affects thousands of mothers and babies in the Ashanti Region and surrounding areas. The government must address payment arrears to prevent further deterioration of materials and escalating project costs. Timely completion of such vital projects is crucial for improving public health outcomes and ensuring efficient use of taxpayer money. This incident underscores the need for robust financial management and oversight in public sector projects across Ghana.