The Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), in collaboration with the management of Ho Technical University (HTU), has cut sod for the construction of a 12-unit Executive Ward at the Ho Technical University Clinic, in a move aimed at expanding healthcare infrastructure and improving service delivery to both the university community and the general public.

The sod-cutting ceremony, held at the clinic premises, brought together university management, the Ho Municipal Chief Executive, representatives of the Volta Regional Minister, health officials, staff of the university, and members of TUTAG

Speaking at the event, the Medical Superintendent of the HTU Clinic, Dr. Fiebor, explained that the clinic, originally designed to cater for students, staff, and their dependents, has gradually become the preferred healthcare facility for residents in Ho and surrounding communities. This growing patronage, he noted, has exerted immense pressure on the facility’s limited infrastructure.

“Our admission capacity is currently about 18 beds, which is clearly inadequate considering the increasing number of patients we attend to daily. At times, we are compelled to nurse patients on chairs or refer them elsewhere due to lack of space,” Dr. Fiebor stated.

He emphasized that the completion of the 12-unit Executive Ward would significantly enhance inpatient care by adding additional bed space and enabling the clinic to better segregate admissions for staff, dependents, and the general public.

Beyond infrastructure, Dr. Fiebor also highlighted staffing challenges facing the clinic. He noted that management currently relies heavily on Internally Generated Funds (IGF) to engage staff, a situation that places financial strain on the institution. He therefore appealed to the Volta Regional and Ho Municipal Health Directorates to continue and expand the secondment of health personnel to improve the staff-to-client ratio and ensure quality healthcare delivery.

The Vice-Chancellor of Ho Technical University, Prof. Ben Hoenyenuga, described the project as a demonstration of collective ownership and commitment to the university’s growth. He recounted the humble beginnings of the clinic, which started as a small sickbay with a single public health nurse, and highlighted how strategic decisions by management transformed it into a fully operational clinic that played a crucial role, especially during the COVID-19 period.

“If this clinic had not existed before COVID-19, some of us would probably not be here today. It has saved lives and continues to serve both our university and the wider community,” Prof. Hoenyenuga remarked.

He stressed that the expansion project was not about individuals but about securing the future of healthcare delivery within the university and municipality. “Every one of us here is a potential patient. What we are doing today is for ourselves and generations yet unborn.

The Chairman of TUTAG, Dr. Stanley Nelvis Glatey reaffirmed the union’s commitment to supporting the university through a diversified financing model. He explained that while TUTAG members are contributing to the project, the association is also reaching out to alumni, old students’ associations, development partners, Members of Parliament, and other stakeholders for support.

“This clinic is not only serving the university but the entire Ho Municipality, the Volta Region, and beyond. We are therefore calling on everyone to support this project in cash or kind. Together, we can deliver a befitting healthcare facility."

In a show of support, the Ho Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Stephen Adom, pledged 100 bags of cement towards the project, commending TUTAG for identifying and responding to the healthcare needs of the community.

“It is said that we should brighten the corner where we are. By supporting this project, TUTAG is not only helping the university but also uplifting the entire municipality,” the MCE stated.

The construction of the 12-unit Executive Ward is expected to significantly reduce pressure on existing facilities at the HTU Clinic and enhance the quality of inpatient care. Stakeholders at the ceremony expressed optimism that, with sustained collaboration and support, the project would be completed on schedule to the benefit of the university community and the general public.