The Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and the Ashanti Regional Prisons Command solidified their collaborative partnership on Tuesday, May 26, 2025, during a visit by KATH’s acting Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo, and a delegation of hospital directors to the Kumasi Central Prison. The meeting aimed to foster stronger ties between the two institutions and address critical healthcare needs of both prison officers and inmates across the region’s seven prison stations. The visit also served as an introduction for Dr. Baidoo as the new CEO of KATH.
The Ashanti Regional Prisons Commander, DDP James B. Mwinyelle, who also oversees the Kumasi Central Prison, expressed gratitude for the hospital’s ongoing support and emphasized the significant benefits derived from the existing relationship. He highlighted the positive impact on all seven prison stations within the Ashanti region and expressed hope for the continuation of this mutually beneficial partnership under Dr. Baidoo’s leadership. Beyond healthcare services, Commander Mwinyelle advocated for KATH’s patronage of the prison’s rehabilitation workshops, specifically mentioning tailoring, carpentry, and the Adum Mineral Water production facility. This patronage, he argued, would not only boost the prison’s internally generated funds but also significantly contribute to the successful reintegration of inmates back into society upon their release.
Commander Mwinyelle specifically proposed that KATH contract the prison’s tailoring workshop for the production of security uniforms, emphasizing the quality of work and the skilled inmate workforce. He also encouraged the hospital’s various departments to purchase Adum Mineral Water, conveniently produced near the prison facility. This two-pronged approach aimed to provide meaningful work for inmates while generating revenue to support their rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.
Following the introductory meeting with Commander Mwinyelle, the KATH delegation embarked on a guided tour of the Kumasi Central Prison. The facility, with a capacity exceeding 1,500 inmates, offered the hospital representatives a firsthand look at the prison’s operations and the living conditions of those incarcerated. The tour was led by the regional Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Prisons (CSP) Richard Bukari, and Chief Superintendent of Prisons (CSP) Charles Wilkinson, Head of Operations and Security. Their expertise provided valuable insights into the daily workings of the prison and the challenges faced by both inmates and staff.
Accompanying Dr. Baidoo were key members of the KATH leadership team, including the Director of Finance, Nana Yim Awere Ababio; the Medical Director, Dr. Kwadwo Sarbeng; the Director of Human Resources, Rev. Anthony Oduro; and the Director of Midwifery and Nursing, Ms. Georgina Efua Sam. This diverse representation underscored the hospital’s commitment to a holistic approach to healthcare provision and collaboration with the prisons.
The delegation also included several other prominent figures from KATH: the Director of General Services, Ing. George Boadi; the Head of Quality Assurance, Dr. Nimako; the Acting Director of Administration, Mr. Frank Boateng; the Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Kwame Frimpong; and the Head of Security, Captain Ekow (Rtd). Their presence reinforced the hospital’s commitment to addressing the healthcare needs of the prison population and fostering a strong working relationship with the Ashanti Regional Prisons Command. This high-level representation from KATH demonstrates the importance placed on this collaboration and the potential for future initiatives to improve the health and well-being of inmates. The report of this significant visit was prepared and disseminated by the Ashanti Regional Prisons Public Relations Unit, ensuring transparency and public awareness of the ongoing partnership between these two crucial institutions.
