MTN Ghana Foundation has invested a significant amount of money in women’s health by completing a state-of-the-art maternity and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) block at the Keta Municipal Hospital. This project, which cost over GHS19 million and took 15 months to complete, is the largest of its kind undertaken by the MTN Ghana Foundation in the country.
The new block consists of a 60-bed facility, including a 40-bed maternity ward with emergency rooms, first-stage and delivery wards, recovery rooms, a lie-in ward, and a 20-bed NICU. Additionally, the block has two operating theaters, a 20-bed hostel for mothers, consulting rooms, offices, a reception area, outpatient department areas, a laboratory, and a dispensary. It also features other facilities such as a Scrub & Sluice Room, an Anesthetics Room, an Intensive Care Ward, a restroom for doctors and nurses, a staff eatery, storage and washrooms, a ramp, and an electrical and power room. Gas tanks, waste bins, and utility rooms are also provided.
The Keta Municipal Hospital plays a crucial role in providing healthcare to many communities within and beyond the Keta Municipality. However, the current capacity of the maternity ward, which has only 20 beds, is woefully inadequate to meet the demand for maternity services, considering the more than 3,000 maternity and 684 NICU admissions each year.
The front view of the new state-of-the-art maternity and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) block at the Keta Municipal Hospital
Selorm Adadevoh, CEO of MTN Ghana, expressed his excitement about the completion of this project during the inauguration and reiterated MTN’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery nationwide. Selorm noted that although access to quality medical services is a fundamental right, it is out of reach for many in our communities. Motivated by the unfortunate instances of lives lost due to inadequate medical facilities, the MTN Ghana Foundation undertook the project to make a tangible impact on the lives of people in the Volta Region, particularly women, and children in Keta and the surrounding areas.
The Municipal Health Director for Keta, Mr. Emmanuel Kona, expressed his gratitude to the MTN Ghana Foundation for providing an ultra-modern maternity and NICU block for Keta. He emphasized that the facility would enhance the quality of healthcare for pregnant women and neonates in the community.
Dr. Kubio Chrysantus, the Regional Director of Health Service, commended the MTN Ghana Foundation for its remarkable contribution to healthcare provision in the country. He referred to other notable projects health projects undertaken by the Foundation over the past decade in different regions of the country.
Mr. Augustus Awity, the Regional Coordinating Director, thanked the MTN Ghana Foundation on behalf of the Regional Minister for their exceptional act of generosity, noting that the project aligns with the Government of Ghana’s commitment to meeting the healthcare needs of its citizens.
Torgbui Sri III, the Awomefia of Anlo, also expressed his appreciation to the MTN Ghana Foundation for providing a facility that will enhance the well-being of mothers and newborns in Keta and its surrounding communities. He urged the hospital’s management, staff, and users to prioritize maintenance to preserve the facility.
The official opening and transfer of the maternity block was attended by various dignitaries, including Hon Kwame Dzudzorli Gakpey, the Member of Parliament for Keta; Hon Emmanuel Gamegah, the Municipal Chief Executive of Keta; Dr. Kofi Karikari Bonsu, the Medical Superintendent of Keta Hospital; Chiefs and Queen mothers of the Anlo Traditional Council; Mrs. Nabila Williams and Mr. Samuel Koranteng, MTN Ghana Foundation Board Members; as well as executives and staff volunteers of MTN Ghana.
Source: Ameyaw Debrah
