President John Dramani Mahama has commissioned the Ghana Medical Trust Fund Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at the National Cardiothoracic Centre of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, describing the facility as a major milestone in government’s commitment to strengthening specialised healthcare and ensuring equitable access to quality medical services across the country.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, President Mahama said the Ghana Medical Trust Fund had evolved beyond its original purpose of financing treatment for non-communicable diseases into a comprehensive nation-building initiative focused on healthcare infrastructure, specialist training and sustainable medical equipment management.
He explained that while the Fund was initially designed to ease the financial burden on patients requiring treatment for conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, kidney failure and diabetes, government quickly realised that financing alone could not solve the country’s healthcare challenges.
According to the President, many patients who received financial assistance still lacked access to specialised facilities or trained professionals capable of providing the required treatment.
“As a result, the mandate of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund has expanded beyond financing diagnosis and treatment to supporting healthcare infrastructure and developing the skilled workforce required to deliver specialised care,” he stated.
President Mahama disclosed that the Fund had been allocated GH¢2.3 billion, with resources earmarked for diagnosis and treatment, procurement of specialised equipment, infrastructure development and healthcare workforce training.
He announced that the first specialist nursing training centre had already been established at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital to train critical care nurses in nephrology, cardiovascular care, oncology and other specialised disciplines.
A second training centre will be established at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, while Cabinet has approved the recruitment and training of 500 specialised nurses to strengthen healthcare delivery nationwide.
The President also announced the establishment of the Ghana Medical Equipment Services Limited, a subsidiary of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, to oversee the maintenance, servicing and replacement of medical equipment across public health facilities.
He noted that the decision was informed by lessons from previous investments in hospital equipment, much of which became unusable after years of inadequate maintenance.
“We have learnt from experience. Investing in equipment without a sustainable maintenance system is not the way forward. This new company will ensure that these valuable national investments are properly managed and protected for future generations,” he said.
President Mahama described the newly commissioned cardiac catheterization laboratory as a symbol of restoration and progress following the devastating fire that destroyed the previous facility in March 2025.
He recalled that one of his final official duties before leaving office in 2017 was the commissioning of the original cardiac catheterization laboratory at Korle Bu, which significantly improved cardiovascular care by enabling thousands of patients to receive life-saving treatment locally instead of travelling abroad.
“This new laboratory is not merely replacing what was lost. We are building something better, stronger and more advanced,” he said.
The President explained that the modern facility would significantly improve Ghana’s capacity to diagnose and treat coronary artery disease, structural heart disease, peripheral vascular diseases and stroke through advanced neurovascular interventions.
He further announced that government, through the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, would establish comprehensive cardiology centres at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and the Tamale Teaching Hospital, with similar facilities planned for the Effia Nkwanta Hospital in Takoradi and the Ho Teaching Hospital.
The expanded programme will also support the procurement of equipment for cancer treatment and renal care at Korle Bu and other hospitals across the country.
President Mahama reiterated government’s commitment to achieving universal health coverage through the combined implementation of the Free Primary Healthcare Programme, the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, and the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
He said while the Free Primary Healthcare Programme focuses on disease prevention, early diagnosis and community-level healthcare delivery, the Medical Trust Fund provides financing for specialised treatment while investing in healthcare infrastructure, research and specialist training.
“Our vision is clear. We must build a healthcare system that prevents illness where possible, provides timely treatment when diseases occur and ensures that specialised care remains accessible and affordable to every Ghanaian,” he stressed.
The President also announced that government had begun procurement processes for the construction of a new maternity block at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
He revealed that the ageing Guggisberg maternity building would be demolished because it had become structurally unsafe and posed risks to both patients and healthcare workers.
“We cannot continue to allow mothers to give birth under unsafe conditions. We owe them better healthcare facilities,” he said.
President Mahama commended the Board and Management of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, the Ministry of Health, the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, the National Cardiothoracic Centre, healthcare professionals, contractors and development partners for their contributions to the successful completion of the project.
He urged all stakeholders to prioritise the proper maintenance of healthcare infrastructure, stressing that the true measure of the investment would be reflected not in the sophistication of the equipment but in the lives saved, families preserved and hope restored.
He formally declared the Ghana Medical Trust Fund Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory commissioned for the service of the people of Ghana.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
