By Sandra Agyeiwaa OTOO
GCB Bank PLC has commenced the construction of a modern Paediatric Unit at the University of Ghana (UG) Hospital.
This forms part of its agenda to improve healthcare outcomes for children and communities across Ghana.
Speaking to the B&FT, the Managing Director of GCB Bank PLC, Kofi Adomakoh, highlighted that the construction of the Unit aligns with the bank’s broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy which prioritises community well-being in key areas, including health.
He mentioned that the construction of the unit represented a profound opportunity for the bank to make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of children.
“We do not view this project merely as an infrastructure investment. It is an investment in our children’s lives, our healthcare system’s resilience and our community’s prosperity. It reflects a broader aspiration of promoting social responsibility and fostering sustainable development in every part of the country,” he said.
He made this statement at a sod-cutting ceremony at the University of Ghana Hospital. He added that the facility will provide more than just healthcare; it will go a long way to ensure the total well-being of future generations and support the training of medical staff.
Mr. Adomankoh also mentioned that in a maximum of 14 months, the project should be up and running.
The paediatric unit, when completed, will include a six-bed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) equipped to offer neonatal intensive care for pre-term babies as well as an eight-bed high dependency unit for specialised paediatric care, which is usually not available in a normal ward.
The unit will also house an eight-bed infant unit, a two-bedroom isolation unit and a two-bed private room. Additionally, it will have a 16-bed toddler and older children’s ward, theatre and recovery units and a three-room labour and delivery suite fitted with state-of-the-art equipment.
In a speech, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, said: “It is important to acknowledge that the resources required to transform the operations of the hospital and the Health Services Directorate cannot be shouldered by the university alone. This is why we are especially grateful for the strong and enduring partnerships we have cultivated with external stakeholders over the years. One such invaluable partner is GCB Bank, which has consistently demonstrated its commitment to the development of the university”.
The Bank has previously made contributions to the health sector as part of its CSR commitments including notable donations of cash, equipment and infrastructure to various health facilities such as the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and 37 Military Hospital.
The ceremony brought together leadership of the bank, the hospital and the academic community of the University of Ghana as they witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony.
Some representatives of the bank at the ceremony include Sam Aidoo, Executive Director – Wholesale & Investment Banking; and Linus Kumi, Head – Corporate Banking.
The university was represented by Professor Gordon Abekah-Nkrumah, Chairman of the Hospital Management Committee; Professor Mark Sando Yidana, Provost – College of Basic and Applied Sciences; Professor Joseph Yaro, Provost – College of Humanities; Professor Alfred Edwin Yawson, Provost – College of Health Sciences; Professor Justice Bawole, Dean – University of Ghana Business School; and Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah, Registrar.
