Ho Teaching Hospital charts path to medical excellence and tourism under new leadership

By Ivy Setordjie 44am Prince Adu-Owusu

The Ho Teaching Hospital is entering a new chapter. Its new CEO, Dr. Hintermann K. K. Mbroh, and new Board Chair, Dr. Delanyo Yao Tsidi Dovlo, have laid out a bold plan to raise the hospital to top-tier status in Ghana and West Africa.

At a staff durbar and facility tour, the two leaders shared a vision focused on quality care, accountability, infrastructure, and medical tourism. They also highlighted progress made and challenges that remain.

Dr. Dovlo, a seasoned public health expert and former WHO official, set the tone with a strong message.

“One of the urgent areas we must address is the quality of care,” he said. “Yes, we’ve seen innovations and improvements. But these must lead to actual patient satisfaction. That must be the core of our service.”

He stressed the need for accountability across the hospital.

“We must clarify responsibilities at all levels,” he said. “We must hold each other accountable—not just management or the CEO, but the Board as well.”

The hospital, now over 20 years old, faces urgent infrastructure needs. Dr. Dovlo listed key gaps: more beds, a steady oxygen supply, backup generators, and better medical tools.

“We know money is tight,” he added. “So we’ll focus on areas with the highest impact. We must ask: what can we do now to move things forward fastest?”

For Dr. Mbroh, this was his first major public address since taking office. He made clear the hospital’s goal—becoming a centre for medical excellence and a hub for medical tourism.

“Our vision remains firm,” he said. “We want Ho Teaching Hospital to be a premier health facility. Even before medical tourism became a national focus, we had already begun the journey.”

He noted that the previous board had set a strong foundation for medical tourism. His job now, he said, is to realign and implement that vision.

“We must build the right systems,” he said. “We must create the right environment and improve services for both local and international patients.”

Both leaders stressed the need to strengthen ties with the public.

“We want to build a hospital that the people of the Volta Region—and all of Ghana—can proudly call their own,” Dr. Dovlo said. “It’s not just about buildings. It’s about people leaving our hospital feeling cared for. That’s the real measure of success.”

He urged all stakeholders to come on board. That includes management, clinical staff, support staff, and the community.

“If our people are not happy with the care we provide,” he said, “then we’ve missed the point of our existence.”

He introduced the new Governing Board—made up of professionals in health, education, finance, governance, and law—and said their experience will guide the hospital into a new era.

“These are the people who will help us restore pride in this hospital,” he said. “With their support, I believe we can turn this place into a national symbol of excellence.”

Dr. Dovlo reflected on the hospital’s 26-year journey and its digital transition four years ago. He said this is a turning point.

“Yes, there have been gains. But there’s also been stagnation. Now is the time to move forward. We want others to look at Ho and ask: how did they do it?”

He ended with a rallying call.

“This is our moment. Let’s rise together. Let’s build a hospital that’s not just functional, but phenomenal. One that attracts patients across borders. One that heals, trains, and inspires.”

Dr. Mbroh agreed.

“We are not just managing a hospital,” he said. “We are building a legacy. Let’s make Ho Teaching Hospital a place where hope meets healing—and service meets excellence.”

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