President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to replace the ageing maternity block at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital with a modern facility as part of government's efforts to strengthen maternal healthcare services.

Speaking at the commissioning of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory at the National Cardiothoracic Centre on Thursday, the President said the procurement process for the new maternity block is already underway.

Mr Mahama said the existing Gordon-Guggisberg maternity building has outlived its usefulness and no longer provides a safe environment for mothers, newborns and health workers, describing the structure as hazardous.

He stressed that the facility poses serious safety risks and should no longer be relied upon for maternal healthcare, adding that it will be demolished once work begins on the replacement project.

According to the President, improving healthcare delivery requires more than funding medical treatment, noting that quality healthcare also depends on modern, safe and well-equipped health facilities.

Mr Mahama further announced that the scope of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund has been broadened to support the development of health infrastructure, the acquisition and maintenance of medical equipment, as well as the training and deployment of skilled personnel.

He explained that the decision was informed by recurring challenges with medical equipment maintenance, which have left several hospitals relying on government for repeated replacement of expensive machines.

The President said the revised approach is intended to ensure that investments in the health sector are properly maintained and remain sustainable over the long term, while improving the quality of healthcare services across the country.