The Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has taken a significant step in addressing neonatal health challenges, particularly neonatal jaundice, in Ghana.
In partnership with organizations such as IPMC Ghana, MEDICOR, the Embassy of Hungary in Accra, and JA Health Hub, the initiative aims to improve infant healthcare nationwide, especially in regions where neonatal issues are most prevalent.
At a landmark conference on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra, the Ga Mantse reiterated his commitment to supporting pediatric healthcare.
“I will continue with the fight to make things better for these innocent babies who have already been born and those yet unborn. I will ensure that a few years from now, the Princess Marie Louise Children’s Hospital will not be the only institution offering specialized care for our children. I pledge to donate a good amount of land for this purpose,” he declared.
He also praised Father Andrew Campbell, a renowned philanthropist and humanitarian, for his outstanding contributions to the Princess Marie Louise Children’s Hospital.
Dr. Mame Yaa Adobea Nyarko, Senior Pediatric Specialist and Medical Superintendent of the Princess Marie Louise Hospital, delivered a keynote address highlighting the alarming statistics surrounding neonatal jaundice.
She explained that while most babies experience jaundice in their first month, the condition can sometimes lead to severe complications, including death or long-term neurological issues like cerebral palsy.
“Neonatal jaundice is the yellowish coloration of the skin and the eyes due to the breakdown of red cells.
A significant number of babies experience it, but some may face life-long consequences,” Dr. Nyarko noted. She stressed the importance of early detection and treatment, urging healthcare practitioners, especially midwives, to remain vigilant when attending to newborns.
“The main challenge in Africa, particularly Ghana, is that due to the darker skin tones of many mothers, it can be difficult to detect jaundice. Early recognition and extra care for babies at risk are critical,” she emphasized.
Dr. Joseph Akwasi Boateng, a physician at Nyaho Medical Center, raised concerns about the poor maintenance of health facilities, citing Princess Marie Louise Children’s Hospital as a prime example.
“Princess Marie Louise Children’s Hospital has been around for 96 years, even before Ghana’s independence, but we have allowed it to fall into disrepair. A hospital of its stature should not be in such a state,” he lamented.
Dr. Nyarko also condemned the mistreatment of patients by healthcare workers, calling for more respect and kindness. “The hospital is for the care of the patient. It’s not about the hospital staff or administrators. Any health worker who insults a patient is not a health worker,” she stated.
The conference was marked by a generous donation of medical equipment to help treat neonatal jaundice at the Princess Marie Louise Children’s Hospital, made possible by Hungarian Ambassador H.E. Tamás Endre Fehér and other stakeholders, including The Ga Mantse.
Ambassador Fehér emphasized Hungary’s continued support for initiatives aimed at ensuring that every newborn receives the best possible care, ensuring a strong start in life.
The event ended on a note of collective responsibility and commitment to improving neonatal healthcare in Ghana.
