Representative at the Manhyia Palace, Nana Poku Bra, has confirmed that Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has generously donated five million dollars to the ‘Heal the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital’ initiative.
The revelation came during a discussion with Omanhene Adu Boakye of Sompa FM, who sought clarification on the matter from palace representatives.
The conversation about Otumfuo’s donation arose while discussing plans for the celebration of the Asantehene’s 25th year of reign.
The host of Sompa FM’s ‘Ade Akye Abia’ show said, “We are told that the Asantehene donated 5 million dollars. 5million dollars!”
Nana Poku Bra responded, “Yes his personal support.”
Intrigued by the confirmation, Omanhene Adu Boakye continued, “Do you know the worth of one million dollars in cedis? It’s 130 billion Ghana cedis. So, multiply this by five.”
The host continued by addressing individuals who have criticised the Asantehene for seeking funds to renovate the hospital instead of fully financing it himself.
He argued that no traditional leader in Ghana has the capacity to single-handedly fund such a large-scale project. He emphasised that Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is fulfilling his role as a respected leader by seeking contributions to support the initiative.
“If a king of this calibre is talking, then people are criticising him. How many people can donate this amount? Which kingdom in Ghana? Then some clueless people will be claiming that the Asantehene is begging for funds to establish the project,” he stated
The Manhyia rep, who concurred with Omanhene’s statement added, “Otumfuo is capable of building that hospital alone. It’s just a nice thing to see others support.”
KATH donations yielding results
Head of the Public Affairs Department,Kwame Frimpong, revealed that the hospital has raised half of the estimated $10 million required for the renovation project.
He emphasized that the appeal for support made by the Asantehene to renovate the 70-year-old Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital has been effective, with both individuals and corporate entities continuing to contribute to the cause. Mr. Frimpong made this disclosure following a donation of 300,000 Ghana cedis by the private institution OFI Ghana to support the initiative.