Former Chief Executive of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng has recounted a compelling story that showcased the invaluable support he received from former Speaker of Parliament, Doe Adjaho, and National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman, Asiedu Nketia.
He recalled appearing before a Parliamentary Audit Committee, which had summoned him over allegations of engaging in sole sourcing and bypassing procurement procedures.
In an interview with Accra-based TV3, Prof Frimpong-Boateng explained that his actions were driven by a sense of urgency and the need to save Korle-Bu. He admitted to being desperate at the time and believed that drastic measures were necessary. During the committee meeting, he found unexpected allies in General Mosquito and Doe Adjaho, who came to his rescue. Despite accusations of deviating from proper processes, they argued in his defense, emphasizing the significant cost savings he had achieved for the country. Their stance was that while the process may not have been ideal, he had ultimately saved the nation a substantial amount of money. As a result, Prof Frimpong-Boateng was allowed to proceed without further repercussions.
In August 2007, Prof Frimpong-Boateng held a press conference where he revealed some remarkable achievements in cost reduction and financial management during his time at Korle-Bu. He mentioned that prior to his appointment, the hospital was spending ¢18 billion on sutures, whereas he was able to procure the same quantity from India for ¢450 million. This decision alone resulted in savings of over ¢17 billion for the hospital and the nation as a whole. Additionally, he successfully negotiated better deals for CSSD tapes, significantly reducing the hospital’s annual expenditure from ¢2.4 billion to a more manageable amount. These cost-saving measures allowed the hospital to utilize the tapes for three years. Prof Frimpong-Boateng also took pride in the hospital’s ability to generate its own funds, enabling the construction of a new administration block at a cost of ¢8.6 billion.
Overall, Prof Frimpong-Boateng’s account highlights the challenging circumstances he faced during his tenure, as well as the support he received from unexpected quarters. It sheds light on his determination to make necessary changes for the betterment of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and the nation as a whole, ultimately leading to significant cost savings and improved financial management.