The Chief Executive Officer of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), Dr. Opoku Ware Ampomah, has denied allegations that the hospital repaired a malfunctioning elevator in its Surgical Department in response to a recent visit by Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the ranking Member of Parliament’s Health Committee. Dr. Ampomah clarified that the repair was scheduled long before the MP’s visit and that the timing was purely coincidental.
Speaking during an interview with Citi News’ Eno Sarfo on Tuesday, September 3, Dr. Ampomah explained, “What happened was a mere coincidence.” He emphasized that the hospital’s maintenance plans were in place well before the MP’s visit and dismissed any suggestion that the repair was hastened due to external pressure. “This is something we were already doing,” he noted, “and specifically for the surgical block, the head of the department had written to me, and all the approvals had been given for the procurement process to acquire a new lift.”
Dr. Ampomah went on to explain the complexities involved in repairing and replacing the elevator. He noted that the lifts used in hospitals are not the standard type commonly found in other buildings. “These are lifts that have to be big enough to take up the hospital bed with some people standing around it. So, they have to be custom-made,” he detailed. He added that from the time of ordering to delivery, the process takes a minimum of six months, meaning that any repair or replacement is not a simple or quick task. “We are still going through the process as we speak,” he added, underscoring that the maintenance and replacement plans had been in motion for some time.
Dr. Ampomah further elaborated on the timeline, explaining that when the fault occurred, the hospital had to take immediate measures to repair the lift. “Unfortunately, it took much longer than we were expecting,” he stated. During this period, the hospital had to reorganize its operations to ensure that patients still received care. “We had to designate other wards and theaters to take up the emergencies and some urgent elective surgeries,” he added. This contingency plan was in place for about a week until the repairs were completed on Sunday.
However, even after the initial fix, the technician responsible for the repair found a sensor that needed replacement. “On Sunday evening, the gentleman who fixed the lift noticed that a sensor required replacement. He advised us not to use the lift on Monday morning until he could replace the sensor,” Dr. Ampomah explained. By 10 or 11 a.m. on Monday, the sensor had been replaced, and normal operations resumed at the hospital.
Dr. Ampomah also refuted the idea that the elevator could be fixed simply due to someone’s visit or statement. “You think that if something couldn’t be fixed for a whole week and then because somebody came and said something, suddenly it gets fixed? That is not the fact. It doesn’t even make sense. I think that is just a pure coincidence,” he argued.
The CEO’s remarks come in response to circulating rumors that Kwabena Mintah Akandoh’s visit had triggered the elevator repair. As the ranking Member of Parliament’s Health Committee, Akandoh’s presence at the hospital raised speculation that the hospital authorities had rushed to fix the elevator to avoid criticism or bad press. However, Dr. Ampomah’s explanation seeks to dispel such rumors and shed light on the real situation.
The situation has highlighted the broader issue of maintenance and infrastructure management within public health facilities in Ghana. The Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, one of the largest and most important hospitals in the country, has faced numerous challenges related to aging infrastructure and equipment. Dr. Ampomah pointed out that while efforts are continually made to maintain and upgrade hospital facilities, the process is often complex, time-consuming, and requires significant funding.
He further noted that there is a need for greater public understanding of the logistical challenges involved in maintaining specialized hospital equipment, such as custom-made lifts. “It’s important for the public to understand that hospital operations are complicated, and fixing things, especially custom-made equipment, takes time,” he remarked.
Dr. Ampomah also called for patience and understanding from the public, noting that the hospital administration is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of patients and staff. “We are doing everything possible to keep our facilities functional and safe for everyone, but there are constraints we face, including budgetary limitations and procurement delays,” he explained.
Despite the denial from Dr. Ampomah, the incident has drawn attention to the state of public health facilities in Ghana and the need for consistent investment in maintaining essential infrastructure. As one of the premier teaching hospitals in the country, Korle Bu’s experience reflects broader challenges faced by many public health institutions in securing adequate funding, managing aging equipment, and ensuring uninterrupted patient care.
In conclusion, Dr. Opoku Ware Ampomah’s statement aims to clarify the circumstances surrounding the elevator repair and address the misinformation suggesting the repair was prompted by the MP’s visit. The hospital maintains that the repair was part of an ongoing maintenance schedule and was not influenced by external factors. However, the incident has opened up further discussions on the need for proactive infrastructure management and funding to support Ghana’s public health system.
