Work has started on the construction of a five-storey structure to replace the long-stalled Maternal and Children’s block at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi.

Excavation of the project site is ongoing as contractors prepare to demolish the existing structure.

After years of neglect, the existing building failed a structural integrity test.

The new building will be constructed with the €138 million budget already secured for the project.

The bed capacity will, however, be reduced by 250.

Head of Architecture at the Ministry of Health, Raichard Vanderpuye briefed journalists on the scope of the proposed new structure.

"Within three years the contractor promises to finish this structure including demolishing of the existing one. Discussions will be held with KATH to finalise the detailed internal layout", he said.

Meanwhile, management of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital is in support of the demolition of the existing structure.

Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Oheneba Owusu Danso, outlined that "the new structure being developed should not affect the duration or expected completion of the project."

"It should add extra value to what would have been derived from the existing one"

He added that, " it should be scallable to meet additional space so urgently required by the hospital. The basis of the change is based on independently verifiable facts and this is why the KATH management fully endorses the view of the contractors and Ministry."

The Ministry of Health says the long-stalled Maternity and Children’s block fails to meet the minimum standard required by building regulations.

A tour of the building revealed concrete over beams falling off by rubbing with a finger, with steel enforcement weakened.

Iron rods were rusty, a situation contractors blame on extreme weather conditions.

Technically, contractors reveals columns and walls have weak quality of C7/C9 MPa, which is beneath standard of C20/C25.

Concrete beams achieved a quality of C10/C12. It also failed other tests conducted on the building.

While taking journalists on a tour of the facility, is Project Manager for Archito Consult, consultants to the contractor Emmanuel Asabre showed support systems holding the pillars in place to prevent the building from possible collapse.

Construction firm, Contracta says construction of the new building and demolition of the old structure will progress concurrently. 
Various governments since 1976 have worked on the project at various stages with any hope of conclusion.

 A JoyNews documentary by Seth Kwame Boateng titled "Next to Die", highlighting challenges at mothers, compelled the government to source funding to complete the project.