MTN Ghana Foundation Breaks Ground for 60-Bed Accident and Emergency Block in Breman Asikuma

The MTN Ghana Foundation has officially commenced the construction of a state-of-the-art, two-storey 60-bed Accident and Emergency (A&E) facility at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Hospital in Breman Asikuma. This significant infrastructure project in the Central Region is designed to transform the hospital's capacity for urgent medical care and is recognized as the Foundation's largest investment in emergency services to date. The new block aims to address critical shortages in bed space and improve health outcomes for residents within the Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa District and surrounding communities.

The intervention comes at a critical time for the hospital, as the existing 20-bed emergency unit has been consistently overwhelmed by growing demand. According to Dr. Francis Edmund Bentil, the hospital's Medical Director, the current facility frequently handles up to 30 patients daily, far exceeding its intended capacity. This congestion has often forced medical staff to provide treatment in inadequate conditions, with some patients being accommodated in plastic chairs due to a lack of available beds. The new facility is expected to eliminate these challenges, ensuring patients receive care in a dignified and medically appropriate environment.

Once completed, the modern emergency block will feature a comprehensive range of specialized units, including a triage area, recovery wards, a dedicated pharmacy, an operating theatre, a laboratory, and isolation wards. Robert Kudzoe, the Executive Secretary of the MTN Ghana Foundation, emphasized that this project aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all. By providing modern equipment and expanded space, the facility is poised to significantly reduce preventable deaths and enhance the overall efficiency of emergency healthcare delivery in the region.

Local traditional leaders, including the Paramount Chief, along with regional health authorities, have lauded the initiative as a vital step toward community development and improved social services. The project is scheduled for completion within 12 months, providing a clear timeline for the hospital's transition to the new facility. This partnership between the MTN Ghana Foundation and the Catholic health facility serves as a prominent example of private-sector contributions to Ghana’s public health infrastructure, ultimately strengthening the resilience of the nation’s healthcare system.