Doctors at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi have been forced to cancel new surgical procedures due to a severe water shortage. In response, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akamdoh and Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amokohene have stepped in to coordinate efforts to supply more water tankers to the hospital.
For over a week, KATH has been relying on limited water supply from the fire service, private tankers, and its own reserves after the Ghana Water Company Limited cut off service due to operational issues. However, these sources have proven insufficient for the facility, which serves over 12,000 people, including staff, patients, and medical students.
The hospital’s Trauma and Orthopedic Directorate had no choice but to suspend all new surgical cases until the crisis is resolved. In a statement, KATH’s management confirmed that government officials are now actively working on solutions, including deploying additional water tankers as a temporary measure.
Meanwhile, the hospital is appealing for a dedicated water pipeline, as the current system forces them to share supply with the general Kumasi population, leading to frequent shortages.
