A Kumasi High Court will hear a case brought by Mrs. Mavis Elikem Gbewordo against the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), following the death of her newborn baby, which she attributes to medical negligence.
The plaintiff is seeking GH₵10 million in compensation.
In court documents, Mrs. Gbewordo asserts that KATH is vicariously liable for the actions of its staff during her labour and delivery in May 2022.
She was referred to KATH after initial scans at Siloam Hospital indicated a large baby, for which a caesarean section was advised.
Despite the referral note, she claims there were critical delays and lapses in care upon admission.
According to her statement of claim, she was left unattended for extended periods after admission at 2:00 pm on May 6.
Following assessments at 6:00 pm and 2:00 am, she reports her waters broke at around 3:00 am while she was alone.
“When this was reported, the nurses appeared unfazed,” she alleges.
Contrary to the earlier recommendation for a caesarean section, Mrs. Gbewordo states she was made to deliver vaginally at approximately 9:00 am on May 7.
The baby, weighing about 4.0 kilogrammes, was born pale, non-crying, and required immediate oxygen.
The newborn was later diagnosed with severe asphyxia and died a week later.
The lawsuit further accuses KATH of failing to obtain informed consent for the high-risk vaginal delivery and disregarding the prior medical advice.
Additionally, Mrs. Gbewordo claims the hospital has withheld her medical records since May 2022, citing ongoing audits.
Beyond the sought damages, the plaintiff is claiming exemplary damages and costs, citing profound emotional trauma.
The case seeks to establish accountability for the alleged failures in care that led to the infant’s death.
