The management of the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH) has expressed deep concern regarding the rampant erection of illegal structures on its premises. This unauthorized development poses a significant hindrance to the hospital’s future expansion endeavors, aimed at solidifying its position as a global leader in tertiary healthcare, medical education, and research.
Dr. Eric Kofi Ngyedu, the Chief Executive Officer of CCTH, stressed the gravity of the situation and revealed that the management had already taken legal action against some of the illegal developers. He further warned those encroaching on hospital land to cease their actions promptly or risk facing the demolition of their property. The hospital’s ambition to offer advanced healthcare services and innovation is impeded by these encroachments.
Dr. Ngyedu emphasized that CCTH possesses a legal title to the land, encompassing more than 200 acres, which the Government of Ghana acquired through an Executive Instrument (E.I 2002) for the establishment of the hospital and related facilities. He shared these concerns during a media engagement held as part of the hospital’s ongoing 25th-anniversary celebrations.
Under the theme “25 years of quality healthcare: Repositioning for excellence,” the year-long anniversary celebration culminates on Wednesday, September 20, with a grand durbar. The celebration includes various events such as donations to special homes, lecture series, an open day, fun games, a health walk, a blood donation campaign, and a drama night.
Dr. Ngyedu expressed profound gratitude to stakeholders for their nearly three decades of significant contributions in providing high-quality healthcare services to the community. As a pivotal public tertiary healthcare institution, CCTH serves the emergency and accident needs of commuters along key roadways, contributing to healthcare accessibility.
To address congestion and provide specialized care, the hospital’s management has constructed a Polyclinic dedicated to minor and non-emergency cases, thereby alleviating pressure on the main hospital.
Dr. Ngyedu outlined the hospital’s progress, noting its elevation from a Regional Hospital to a Teaching Hospital in 2014, with an expanded bed capacity of 400. He highlighted the establishment of the School of Medical Sciences by the University of Cape Coast as a crucial step toward medical education.
While acknowledging the facility’s efficient operations, Dr. Ngyedu acknowledged ongoing challenges including aging infrastructure, equipment needs, maternal and neonatal mortalities, overcrowding, inadequate space in emergency units, and more. Despite these challenges, CCTH remains committed to delivering quality healthcare through a skilled and motivated workforce, evidence-based practices, and advanced technology.
During the media engagement, Dr. Ngyedu guided journalists on an inspection of various ongoing construction projects, including an Accident and Emergency and Trauma Centre, Neonatal Intensive Care Centre, Infectious Disease Centre, Eye Centre, Oncology Centre, Renal Centre, staff accommodation, hostel buildings, and a newly installed Diagnostic Centre.
CCTH’s dedication to overcoming challenges and realizing its vision for excellence reflects its unwavering commitment to the well-being of Cape Coast and beyond.
