President John Dramani Mahama has ordered the demolition of the old maternity block at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, describing the ageing building as unsafe for patients and healthcare workers.
He gave the directive after inspecting the facility and reviewing its deteriorating condition. The President said the building has outlived its purpose and no longer meets modern healthcare standards.
Demolition to Begin After New Facility Opens
President Mahama said authorities should demolish the old block only after a replacement facility is ready.
He directed the Ministry of Health and the management of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital to prepare for a smooth transition. He said the move must not interrupt maternity and neonatal services.
The redevelopment forms part of the government’s broader effort to improve healthcare infrastructure across the country. During the inspection, President Mahama described the old maternity block as a “death trap.”
He said the building poses serious risks to patients, visitors and hospital staff. The President called for urgent action to replace ageing facilities with modern hospitals that meet current safety standards. He stressed that patient safety must remain a top priority.
The maternity block has faced growing criticism for years. Doctors, patients and civil society organisations have repeatedly raised concerns about its condition. They have pointed to deteriorating infrastructure, recurring equipment failures and ageing utilities.
Several reports have also highlighted persistent problems with the building’s lifts and other essential systems. These concerns have strengthened calls for a complete redevelopment of the facility.
New Facility Expected to Improve Care
Korle Bu Teaching Hospital is Ghana’s largest referral hospital and a major provider of specialist maternal healthcare.
A new maternity block is expected to improve patient safety, increase capacity and provide a better working environment for healthcare professionals.
Health experts have consistently called for greater investment in modern hospitals to meet Ghana’s growing healthcare needs.
Government Focuses on Hospital Upgrades
President Mahama said improving public health infrastructure remains a national priority. The government aims to upgrade hospitals so they can provide safer and more efficient healthcare services.
The Ministry of Health and Korle Bu Teaching Hospital will oversee the transition once the replacement facility is ready. Officials say they will maintain uninterrupted services throughout the redevelopment process.
