KATH Mother and Baby Unit construction stalled for 14 months over unpaid contractor arrears

The construction of a Mother and Baby Unit at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) has been halted for 14 months due to unpaid contractor arrears. Despite significant investments, the facility remains incomplete, with some materials deteriorating and warranties expiring. The Parliamentary Committee on Health is expressing concerns over the delay, warning of wasted taxpayer money as expectant mothers await the facility that was intended to improve maternal and child healthcare in the Ashanti Region and beyond.

The project, initially estimated at $138.5 million, took longer than expected to complete, with construction works interrupted by suspensions. The hospital project was first suspended following the domestic debt exchange programme (DDEP) and then again over non-payment of Interim Payment Certificates to the contractor. The current state of the facility is approximately 70 percent complete, but the prolonged suspension has led to some issues with procured materials and installations, as warranties on some expired and others are at risk of expiring.