The long-abandoned Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Teaching Hospital project is set for revival following a fresh government commitment of GH¢46 million to resume completion works.

Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, announced at the 50th Anniversary Grand Durbar of the KNUST School of Medical Sciences (SMS) that contractors have been instructed to return to the site within 30 days.

Stalled for over a decade, the hospital is expected to provide hands-on training for medical students and deliver healthcare services to KNUST and the surrounding communities once completed.

The project, estimated at $125 million, was initially financed by KNUST in partnership with the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) and was to be completed in six years. However, 12 years on, the facility remains uncompleted.

Mr Iddrisu said GETFund will support the completion and equip the hospital with an additional $38 million.

“Charting the future means having a dedicated hospital to support the School of Medical Sciences. We are committing GH¢46 million for the completion of the KNUST Teaching Hospital project. The contractor will return to site in the next 30 days for the completion. We are also committing through GETFund $38 million for the equipping of the hospital. And that will be part of the 2025/2026 formula of the GETFund,” he said.

The Minister further disclosed plans for the construction of new lecture theatres for the university.

“A multipurpose lecture theatre valued at $5 million is also an adopted plan. I’ve instructed the administrator of the GETFund to include two multipurpose theatres valued at $10 million for the 2027 formula,” he stated.

The anniversary celebration, themed “A Glance at the Past, A Glimpse into the Future,” highlighted the contributions of the School of Medical Sciences since its establishment in 1975.

Dean of SMS, Prof. Akwasi Antwi-Kusi, reaffirmed the school’s dedication to quality medical training and healthcare delivery.

“It’s not only looking back with pride but looking forward with vision. We are reminded that legacy is not what we inherited, but what we build. The future we envision requires courage, collaboration and unwavering commitment,” he said.

Vice Chancellor of KNUST, Prof. Rita Akosua Dickson, commended SMS for its impact over five decades.

“For 50 years, the school has always remained steadfast in contributing her quota to advancing the school’s mission of advancing the teaching and learning of science and technology while making an indelible impact on healthcare delivery in Ghana and across the world. The legacy of training almost 4,000 medical professionals and scientists is a testament to its resilience and excellence,” she said.