The Administrator of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, Obuobia Darko-Opoku, has raised concerns over the state of equipment at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, popularly known as Ridge Hospital, describing the situation as critical.

Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, she said most of the hospital’s equipment is not functioning and urgently needs attention.

“Ridge Hospital is in a critical condition. Most of the equipment is not functioning and urgently needs urgent attention. We are appealing to corporate organizations and individuals to support,” she stated.

According to her, the issue came to light during a visit to the hospital, where a doctor briefed her team about the challenges they were facing.

“When we got to Ridge Hospital, one of the doctors told us about the challenges they are facing. I was very worried,” she said. “Later, I told one of my officers that we have to take our time and go there again to assess the equipment they have and what they don’t have.”

She explained that the Medical Director subsequently wrote formally to the Trust Fund, detailing the hospital’s equipment challenges, prompting a second visit for a thorough assessment.

“Later, the Medical Director wrote to me officially to inform me about their challenges with equipment, so we decided to go there again to check exactly what was needed,” she added.

Madam Darko-Opoku noted that although the hospital was renovated during President John Dramani Mahama’s first term about 10 years ago, many of the machines installed at the time are no longer functioning.

“It is very worrying that a whole regional hospital is faced with this challenge,” she said. “A lot of people go to Ridge Hospital, and in this day and age, we should not be seeing such situations, especially in the capital city.”

She therefore called on Corporate Ghana to come together to help retool the facility.

“I am appealing to Corporate Ghana to come together and retool Ridge Hospital. It will be to their credit. That is why I was very emotional about it,” she stressed.

She explained that companies and individuals who support the initiative will do so in partnership with the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, which will ensure proper management and accountability.

“When corporate institutions decide to help, they will do it in partnership with the Trust Fund. We will take care of the equipment and support with proper management,” she said.

She added that donors would be allowed to brand equipment in their names as part of the support.

“Donors are allowed to brand the equipment in their names, whether as a company or as an individual,” she noted.

Encouraging public participation, she said, even individuals who wish to contribute can do so easily.

“Even if you are an individual and want to help, you can walk to Asempa FM or call the Fund to donate. We will account for everything and make sure you see what your support has been used for,” she assured.