The MTN Ghana Foundation has handed over a newly expanded Accident and Emergency (A&E) block to the Ho Teaching Hospital in the Volta Region, a major investment expected to strengthen emergency healthcare delivery and improve response to life-threatening medical cases.

The facility, constructed and fully equipped at a cost of more than GH¢15 million, is designed to boost the hospital’s ability to manage trauma, sudden illness and other medical emergencies.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of Ho Teaching Hospital, Dr Hintermann K. K. Mbroh, described the project as a crucial intervention that will significantly enhance emergency care in the region.

“Emergency care is the front door of every hospital. In moments of trauma, sudden illness and crisis, the difference between life and death often depends on how quickly and effectively care can be provided,” he said.

Dr Mbroh said the new infrastructure would strengthen the hospital’s ability to respond during critical moments when patients require immediate treatment.

He also commended the MTN Ghana Foundation for the investment, noting that the project demonstrates the value of collaboration between corporate institutions and public healthcare providers.

According to him, modern facilities must be supported by strong professionalism among health workers to ensure patients receive quality care.

Meanwhile, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer of MTN Ghana, Adwoa Wiafe, said the project reflects the company’s belief that access to healthcare is a shared responsibility.

“Health is life. It is not a privilege; it is a right. It is not a gift; it is a shared responsibility,” she said.

She explained that the centre, valued at GH¢15,398,946, was built to international standards and designed to ease congestion in the hospital’s emergency unit while improving patient flow and referral services across the region.

The expanded A&E facility has been fitted with modern medical equipment, including patient and cardiac monitors, portable ultrasound machines, defibrillators with pacer functions, electrocardiogram (ECG) machines, ventilators, and arterial blood gas analysers.

Other equipment provided includes haematology and biochemistry analysers, blood storage refrigerators, infusion pumps, suction units, crash carts and blood warmers, as well as hospital beds, stretchers and examination lamps.

The facility also features an elevator to enhance accessibility and movement within the building, particularly for critically ill patients and individuals with disabilities.

The ceremony was attended by the Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, officials from the Ministry of Health, traditional authorities and health professionals.

Mr Gunu commended the MTN Ghana Foundation for the intervention, describing it as a significant boost to healthcare infrastructure in the region.

He urged the management of the hospital to maintain the facility and ensure it is used effectively to save lives.

Chairman of the hospital’s governing board, Dr Delanyo Tsidi Dovlo, said the project marks an important step in the hospital’s vision of becoming a leading centre for healthcare delivery and medical training.

He noted that although the facility has been upgraded to teaching hospital status, more investment will be needed to support specialist services and training programmes.

Similarly, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Health and Allied Sciences, Lydia Aziato, called for additional partnerships to expand specialised services, including cardiac care and maternal health.

She explained that the hospital plays a critical role in training health professionals in the region and requires adequate infrastructure to support both patient care and academic work.

MTN officials say the foundation has undertaken several community projects in the Volta Region over the years, including the construction of a 60-bed maternity and neonatal intensive care unit at the Keta Municipal Hospital, the refurbishment of the Kpedze Health Centre, and the provision of a potable water system at Kpeve.

According to the foundation, the projects form part of its broader development agenda focused on healthcare, education and economic empowerment.

Health authorities believe the expanded emergency centre will help reduce referrals to hospitals in other regions while improving survival rates for patients who require urgent medical care.