The Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory (Cath Lab) at the National Cardiothoracic Centre of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital has officially resumed operations, 16 months after a devastating fire destroyed the country’s premier cardiac intervention facility.
The reopening marks a major milestone for Ghana’s healthcare sector, restoring one of the nation’s most critical specialist medical facilities while introducing a significantly upgraded and expanded laboratory designed to provide faster, safer and more advanced cardiovascular care.
A New Beginning for Specialist Cardiac Care
The reconstructed Cath Lab was inaugurated by the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF) during a ceremony attended by President John Dramani Mahama, health officials and medical professionals.
The original laboratory, commissioned in 2017, transformed cardiac care in Ghana by enabling complex heart procedures that previously required patients to travel abroad. However, on March 7, 2025, a fire destroyed the facility, severely disrupting emergency cardiac interventions and specialist heart treatment at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
Following an assessment in January 2026, the Ghana Medical Trust Fund initiated plans to rebuild the facility. Construction began on February 17, 2026, and within five months, a modern replacement had been completed and commissioned.
Upgraded Facility with Expanded Capacity
Speaking at the inauguration, the Administrator of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku, described the new Cath Lab as more than a reconstruction project.
According to her, the facility is a technologically advanced successor that has been expanded to improve patient care and strengthen Ghana’s ability to manage cardiovascular diseases.
She explained that the new laboratory offers improved capacity, enhanced medical technology and better infrastructure capable of delivering world-class cardiac interventions within Ghana, reducing the need for patients to seek treatment overseas.
Immediate Impact on Patient Care
The facility is expected to begin making an immediate impact on healthcare delivery.
Health authorities announced that beginning July 12, the laboratory will host a specialised cardiac intervention programme involving cardiologists from the United States, the National Cardiothoracic Centre, the Mount Carmel Foundation, Africa World Airlines and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund.
During the programme, 30 patients selected from across Ghana will receive Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device (CIED) procedures—life-saving interventions that have historically been difficult and expensive to access.
Government Expands Healthcare Infrastructure
The reopening of the Cath Lab forms part of government’s broader strategy to strengthen specialist healthcare across the country.
Speaking during the commissioning, President Mahama announced that the Ghana Medical Trust Fund’s mandate has been expanded beyond financing patient treatment to include constructing specialist health facilities, acquiring and maintaining medical equipment, and training specialist healthcare professionals.
The President also announced plans to demolish and replace the ageing Gordon-Guggisberg maternity block at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, describing the current structure as a “death trap” for mothers and healthcare workers.
Hope Restored for Heart Patients
The reopening of the Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory is expected to significantly improve Ghana’s capacity to diagnose and treat complex cardiovascular and neurovascular conditions.
Healthcare experts believe the upgraded facility will shorten waiting times, increase access to specialist procedures and improve survival outcomes for patients requiring emergency heart interventions.
For thousands of Ghanaians living with heart disease, the restored Cath Lab represents renewed hope and demonstrates the country’s commitment to investing in resilient, world-class healthcare infrastructure.
