The Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH) has taken a major step toward transforming surgical care in Ghana with the successful implementation of the KOFIH-CCTH Laparoscopy Project, a landmark collaboration between the hospital and the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH). The initiative has not only introduced minimally invasive surgical services to the Central Region but has also ignited a broader national conversation on modernising Ghana’s surgical system.
Under the two-year project, CCTH has trained 31 medical personnel — including surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses, and biomedical engineers — in laparoscopic techniques, making it the only hospital in the Central Region currently offering such advanced procedures. Since the centre’s establishment, 15 successful surgeries have been performed, with the facility now equipped with simulation machines to support continuous professional training.
Speaking during a project review conference in Cape Coast themed “Strengthening Laparoscopic Surgery in Ghana: Achievements, Challenges and Future Directions,” health experts and policy advocates hailed the initiative as a model for replication across the country.
CCTH Leads Ghana’s Surgical Modernisation Drive
Chief Executive Officer of CCTH, Dr. Eric Kofi Ngyedu, described the project as a milestone in Ghana’s quest to align its health system with global surgical standards.
“Our goal has been to strengthen capacity in laparoscopic surgery to provide safer, high-quality medical services,” he said. “This partnership reflects our commitment to modernising surgical care and building a foundation for a national centre of excellence in minimally invasive surgery.”
Dr. Ngyedu noted that the hospital was previously without laparoscopic capacity but has since developed both the human and technical resources required to sustain it. He added that CCTH’s commitment to the project had already opened doors for new partnerships and collaborations, including plans to expand services to other regions.
Korean Partners Commend Progress, Call for Sustainability
Country Director of KOFIH, Dr. Bomin Yang, praised the hospital’s progress and reaffirmed his organisation’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s health transformation.
“Laparoscopic surgery enhances patient safety and recovery,” he said. “Our support to CCTH demonstrates KOFIH’s belief in building strong, sustainable systems that will position Ghana among leaders in surgical innovation.”
He revealed that KOFIH is also working on related healthcare initiatives in Ghana, focusing on maternal and child health, biomedical engineering, and emergency response systems.
Experts Advocate for National Policy and Funding
While celebrating the project’s success, medical experts emphasised the need for government intervention to make laparoscopic surgery accessible nationwide.
Dr. Agyen Mensah, a former Head of Surgery at CCTH and the University of Cape Coast Hospital, noted that laparoscopy remains expensive due to the high cost of setting up centres and purchasing consumables. He estimated that establishing a laparoscopic unit costs about $311,000, making it unaffordable for many facilities without government support.
“With about one million dollars, we can supply three or four hospitals. It’s not beyond our means — it’s about prioritising,” he stated. “Laparoscopic surgery should not be considered a luxury in Ghana.”
Dr. Ralph Armah, Medical Director of Tema General Hospital, also called for broader advocacy to prevent the service from becoming “a preserve of the privileged.”
Similarly, Dr. Agnes Achiamaa Anane, Deputy Director of Clinical Care at the Central Regional Health Directorate, highlighted the need for more trained professionals, while urging the Ministry of Health to integrate laparoscopy into mainstream healthcare policy.
Government Officials Pledge Support
In a statement read on behalf of Central Regional Minister, Mr. Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, the regional administration commended CCTH for pioneering such a transformative initiative.
“The introduction of laparoscopic services represents a quantum leap in Ghana’s healthcare delivery,” the statement said. “We urge the Ministry of Health and partners to sustain and scale up this initiative.”
Cape Coast Mayor, Mr. Justice Arthur, pledged to support infrastructure development around the hospital, including fixing access roads to improve patient and staff convenience.
Looking Ahead
With CCTH’s success story gaining national attention, many in the medical community believe Ghana is at a turning point in surgical care. Experts agree that with dedicated policy, funding, and training, laparoscopy could soon move from being a specialised option to a standard surgical practice across the country.
As Project Coordinator, Mr. Kafui Akpedonu, summed it up:
“This centre has come to stay — to serve the Central, Western, and Western North regions, and to train others. With the right support, Ghana can lead the way in minimally invasive surgery in West Africa.”
