Frank Amoakohene reports 85% completion of KATH cardiac laboratory

Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene has announced that the construction of the new Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory (Cathlab) at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi is 85% complete. Briefing the Local Government Committee, the Minister confirmed that the specialized facility is on track to be finished by December 2025. This development marks a significant step in expanding advanced healthcare infrastructure beyond the national capital.

The project is being financed by the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, also known as the Mahama Cares initiative. Once the laboratory is operational, it will provide specialized heart treatments and emergency interventions that were previously only accessible at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra. By establishing this facility in Kumasi, the government aims to create a secondary hub for cardiothoracic excellence that serves the middle and northern sectors of the country.

Dr. Amoakohene emphasized that the primary goal of the Cathlab is to reduce the number of preventable deaths resulting from cardiac emergencies. Currently, many patients in the Ashanti Region and surrounding areas face life-threatening delays when they are forced to travel to Accra for urgent heart procedures. The new laboratory at KATH will allow for immediate medical responses, which are critical for survival during heart attacks and other cardiovascular crises.

As the project nears its final phase, the focus will shift toward the installation of specialized medical equipment and the final commissioning of the site. The completion of the laboratory is expected to significantly alleviate the burden on Korle Bu while ensuring that millions of Ghanaians have more equitable access to life-saving cardiac care within their own regions.