The MTN Ghana Foundation's GHS 15.2 million maternity block at Keta Municipal Hospital has recorded approximately 25,000 antenatal visits and over 6,000 deliveries in its first two years of operation. This significant investment has transformed maternal and child healthcare delivery in the municipality, addressing long-standing issues of overcrowding and inadequate facilities.
The state-of-the-art 60-bed Maternity and Child Health Block, commissioned in March 2024, has largely eliminated the challenges expectant mothers previously faced. Before its construction, patients often endured overcrowded wards, with some forced to lie on the floor due to a lack of space. The new facility has expanded the hospital's capacity and restored dignity to the childbirth experience for thousands of women.
This initiative aligns with broader efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure across Ghana, a critical component of the nation's socio-economic development agenda. Corporate social responsibility projects, like MTN's, play a vital role in complementing government efforts to achieve universal health coverage and reduce maternal mortality rates. Such investments contribute directly to the well-being of communities and the productivity of the workforce.
Hospital Administrator Faruk Iddrissu highlighted the profound impact of the new facility. He stated, "We used to have a very small maternity ward, and it was difficult to provide the quality care mothers deserved. At times, women had to be managed on the floor because of congestion." Mr. Iddrissu emphasized that the MTN Foundation has provided more than just a building; it has given mothers dignity and improved access to quality healthcare.
The successful operation of the Keta maternity block sets a precedent for future public-private partnerships in healthcare. Decision-makers and other corporate entities will observe its sustained impact on health outcomes and community satisfaction. The continued improvement in maternal health indicators, including a reduction in maternal mortality, will be a key measure of its long-term success and a benchmark for similar projects.
The modern complex includes a 40-bed maternity ward with emergency rooms, delivery suites, and recovery wards. It also features two operating theatres, consulting rooms, an intensive care unit, and a laboratory. A 20-bed mothers' hostel provides essential support, bringing comprehensive maternal and neonatal services under one roof. This integrated approach improves efficiency and ensures timely care for mothers and newborns.
Grace Gunu, Maternity Ward In-Charge, who has served at the hospital for seven years, described the block as a turning point. She noted, "This beautiful edifice is more than just a building. For us, it is a story of transformation and growth." Ms. Gunu explained that the integrated design has boosted staff morale and enabled healthcare professionals to provide more efficient and compassionate services.
The facility's impact is also evident in increased patient patronage. Ms. Gunu reported a significant rise in attendance and deliveries since the block became operational. In 2025, Keta Municipal Hospital recorded the highest number of deliveries in the Volta Region, underscoring the facility's positive influence. This surge in demand reflects growing community confidence in the quality of care provided.
Beyond statistics, mothers who delivered at the facility expressed high satisfaction with the clean environment, spacious wards, and professional care. They described the maternity block as a "home away from home," restoring confidence during a crucial time. Their gratitude to the MTN Ghana Foundation highlights the project's success in improving healthcare delivery and restoring dignity to childbirth for women in Keta and surrounding communities.