Ninety-six health facilities are currently under construction across various Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the Ashanti Region, Dr Frank Amoakohene, Ashanti Regional Minister, has announced.

He said the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) alone was undertaking three major health projects, comprising a paediatric clinic at the KMA Health Centre, a health facility at Moshie Zongo and a Breast Care Centre at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH).

Dr Amoakohene made the disclosure at a sod-cutting ceremony for the construction of the Breast Care Centre at KATH.

He also highlighted other major government health investments underway in the region, including the Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory at KATH, ongoing construction works at the KNUST Medical Centre and progress on the Sewua Hospital project.

The Regional Minister said the investments reflected the Government’s commitment to decentralising healthcare delivery and bringing essential health services closer to the people.

Dr Amoakohene revealed that KATH recorded nearly 1,700 suspected breast cancer cases annually, with about 14 per cent confirmed through histological examination.

He expressed concern that many patients reported to health facilities at advanced stages of the disease, underscoring the need for increased public awareness and early detection.

The Minister said Ghana’s target was to detect 60 per cent of breast cancer cases at Stages I and II, ensure diagnosis within 60 days and provide multidisciplinary care to 80 per cent of patients.

He noted that while regular screening remained essential, particularly for persons aged 40 years and above, screening schedules should be tailored to individual risk factors and family medical history.

Dr Amoakohene reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to building a resilient healthcare system that was accessible, responsive, and equitable for all citizens.

The sod-cutting ceremony was attended by officials of KATH, traditional authorities, and members of the public.