At a time when the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) has come under intense public scrutiny over overcrowding at its Accident and Emergency Centre, popular Ghanaian comic actor Dr Likee has brought relief to dozens of struggling patients by paying more than GH¢76,000 in outstanding medical bills.
The actor, known in private life as Ras Nene, donated GH¢76,026 to settle the debts of vulnerable patients receiving treatment at the Kumasi-based referral hospital.
The intervention, undertaken in partnership with the N.B. Sika Foundation, has been widely praised as a timely gesture of compassion amid mounting challenges confronting Ghana’s healthcare system.
The donation follows recent reports that KATH’s Accident and Emergency Centre had become overwhelmed by an influx of patients, forcing hospital management to temporarily suspend new admissions for 24 hours due to severe congestion.
The development sparked national debate and prompted the Ministry of Health to summon the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer for explanations over the decision.
Against this backdrop, Dr Likee’s charitable outreach has been welcomed by many as a practical contribution toward easing the burden on patients and families facing financial difficulties after receiving treatment.
The donation was facilitated through the N.B. Sika Foundation, an organization founded by philanthropists Rosemond Nuamah-Mensah, popularly known as Nana Sika Bimpomaa, and Hubert Kyei-Mensah, also known as Overmars.
The foundation partnered with the actor to identify patients who had completed treatment but were unable to pay their medical bills before discharge.
Beneficiaries included several mothers who had successfully delivered babies at the hospital but lacked the financial means to settle their hospital expenses.
The intervention enabled these women and other patients to clear their debts and return home without the stress of unpaid medical costs.
Beyond the payment of hospital bills, Dr Likee and his team extended support to mothers and newborn babies by donating essential items including diapers, infant formula and detergents.
The items were intended to provide immediate assistance to families facing economic hardship following childbirth and hospitalization.
Officials of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital received the cheque on behalf of the beneficiaries and expressed gratitude for the support.
Hospital authorities indicated that the donation would significantly ease the burden on affected families and allow patients to focus on their recovery and general well-being rather than worrying about outstanding medical expenses.
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