Agomanya: St. Martin de Porres Catholic Hospital in Agomanya has launched its 80th anniversary celebration with the commissioning of key infrastructure projects and an appeal for reclassification to reflect its expanded role in healthcare delivery. The hospital unveiled a 350-seater conference hall, a mental health unit, a modern stores and offices complex, and expanded administrative facilities as part of the milestone. Management said the new investments would enhance operational efficiency, improve patient care, and strengthen the hospital’s capacity to respond to emerging health challenges.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Emmanuel Bosompim, Hospital Manager and Administrator, described the anniversary as a moment of joy and thanksgiving, commending staff for their commitment to serving the vulnerable while upholding Catholic values. He announced the introduction of a Mentorship and Research Programme to train future health leaders and improve patient outcomes. He reported that outpatient attendance rose from 88,583 in 2023 to 96,155 in 2024, with 49,865 recorded by mid-2025. The hospital had also expanded services to include CT scan, dental, ENT, homecare, and free NHIS registration for thousands of clients.
Recent projects include a CT scan building, oxygen plant, microbiology unit, water production facility, and the new stores and offices complex. However, Mr. Bosompim cited challenges such as inadequate staff accommodation, delays in mechanising staff onto the government payroll, shortages of critical professionals, and limited land for expansion. He therefore called on government to reclassify the hospital, which is designated as a Primary Level C facility despite handling cases beyond that level.
Most Rev. Joseph Kwaku Afrifah-Agyekum, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Koforidua, commended staff for their dedication and urged management to consider vertical expansion due to land constraints. He encouraged health professionals never to abandon their duties despite limited government support. Representing the Paramount Chief of Manya Krobo, Nene Ofei Tagbaja, Chief of Asesewa and Head of Public Relations at the Ministry of Health, called for stronger government-community collaboration. He disclosed that government was working to procure dialysis machines nationwide to ease patients’ financial burden.
Municipal Health Director, Dr. James Avoka, who chaired the event, described St. Martin de Porres as ‘primus inter pares among health facilities in the region,’ noting that rising patient numbers reflected growing public trust. Mr. George A. Agyei, Director of the Catholic Health Trust, said the hospital’s resilience and new investments positioned it to progress from secondary-level to, eventually, tertiary-level care.
The anniversary celebration, which will span a year, will feature blood donation drives, mentorship retreats, community clean-up exercises, inter-departmental games, and outreach programmes. Founded 80 years ago by Catholic missionaries, St. Martin de Porres has grown from a modest mission clinic into one of the Eastern Region’s most trusted hospitals, serving nearly 100,000 patients annually while staying true to its founding mission of compassion and service.