The management of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) has announced a temporary suspension of new emergency admissions following severe congestion at its Accident and Emergency (A&E) Centre.
According to hospital authorities, the facility is currently operating beyond its intended capacity, with critical care wards overwhelmed by a surge in emergency cases. Management says the temporary measure, expected to last approximately 24 hours, is necessary to allow medical staff to attend to the growing backlog of patients already receiving care.
In a statement issued by the hospital’s Public Affairs Unit, KATH disclosed that its A&E Centre, originally designed to accommodate 37 patients, is currently managing 61 admitted patients across its Red, Orange, and Yellow emergency wards. In addition, dozens of other patients remain on waiting lists for admission.
Hospital officials explained that continuing to accept new emergency cases under the current conditions could compromise patient safety and place additional strain on already stretched medical personnel and resources.
As a result, members of the public requiring emergency medical attention have been advised to seek care at other hospitals and health facilities across the Ashanti Region until the situation improves.
Management indicated that discussions are ongoing with the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate to coordinate emergency healthcare services and redirect patients to alternative facilities where necessary.
However, the hospital emphasized that neonatal, paediatric, and obstetric emergency services remain fully operational and are not affected by the temporary restrictions.
“The current situation is being reviewed continuously by our emergency physician specialists and medical staff. New admissions will resume as soon as conditions at the A&E Centre become manageable,” the statement noted.
The development has reignited public discussion about pressure on Ghana’s major referral hospitals, particularly KATH, which serves not only the Ashanti Region but also patients from several neighbouring regions. Healthcare analysts have long argued that strengthening district and regional hospitals could help reduce the burden on tertiary facilities and improve access to emergency care.
Residents are encouraged to remain calm and make use of nearby healthcare facilities while hospital authorities work to restore normal operations.
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