The Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) has launched activities to commemorate its 70th anniversary, with its Board Chair, Nana Prof. Oheneba Boachie-Adjei Woahene II, calling for renewed efforts to reposition the facility to meet the healthcare demands of future generations.

Speaking at the launch of the celebrations, the Asantehene’s Hiahene described the milestone as more than a symbolic anniversary, stressing the need to strengthen governance, invest in infrastructure and human resources, and deepen partnerships to sustain quality healthcare delivery.

“As Board Chair, my mission is clear and unwavering – to uphold the mandate, vision and mission of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. We are committed to ensuring Komfo Anokye remains a well-resourced and sustainable healthcare centre delivering quality healthcare,” he said.

The anniversary is being held under the theme “70 Years of Impacting Lives: Celebrating the Past and Repositioning for the Future.” KATH, Ghana’s second-largest teaching hospital, receives referrals from 12 of the country’s 16 regions, highlighting its critical role in the national healthcare system.

Chief Executive Officer of KATH, Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo, said the hospital continues to face mounting pressure due to the volume of patients it serves daily.

“When you have a facility that receives patients from 12 regions and sees between 1,300 and 1,500 patients daily, it tells you the level of pressure on the hospital. Management, staff and the Board are doing their part, but healthcare delivery is capital intensive,” he noted.

Dr. Baidoo reaffirmed management’s commitment to completing the Heal KATH Project, an infrastructure modernisation initiative spearheaded by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to address the hospital’s ageing facilities.

“Because this project is very dear to Otumfuo, we will ensure it is completed,” he assured.

Delivering remarks on behalf of the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, the Municipal Chief Executive for Old Tafo, Abubakar Sadiq, acknowledged persistent challenges in the health sector, including infrastructure deficits, equipment shortages and human resource constraints.

“Despite these challenges, I am confident that with strong leadership, strategic partnerships and continuous government support, KATH can be strengthened as a centre of excellence not only in Ghana but across the sub-region,” he said, while reaffirming government’s commitment to supporting teaching hospitals.

Over the past seven decades, KATH has played a pivotal role in medical education, research and specialised healthcare, training generations of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and allied health professionals. The 70th anniversary celebrations are expected to honour that legacy while setting a clear agenda for a more modern, resilient and patient-centred future.