The project to transform the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) into a world-class medical facility has encountered challenges, particularly in the procurement of construction materials.

Chairman of the HEAL KATH Project, Sammy Adu Boakye, revealed that while the project is 40% complete, progress has been hindered by the rapid depreciation of the cedi against major currencies.

In a recent press briefing following a project inspection, he called for more contributions to the fund to speed up the project.

“The exchange rate has not been our friend. We realized at the start of our project that a dollar to a cedi was around 11 cedis but today it's over 16, so the more the dollar appreciates, the more effect it has on us.

"We have been around 40% for quite a long time and it is expected that not many companies will come on board than what we are seeing,” he said.

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Mr Boakye expressed disappointment at the lack of engagement from local mining companies and financial institutions.

“No mining company has responded to the King’s call. There are about 14 mining companies within the enclave of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. None has paid off. Financial institutions or commercial banks, there are about 23 of them but only three have come on board. Rural banks, about four of them, have come, so there are a lot more."

"If you want to count the number of churches in the region, it is numerous but how many have come on board? Only 14 churches have come on board. So though we have done well with our fundraising, a lot more identifiable groups are yet to show up,” he said.