Rikair, GIP partner to make medical grade oxygen accessible to Ghanaians

Growth Investment Partners (GIP) Ghana Ltd, an investment platform established by British International Investment (BII), has announced its latest investment in Rikair Company Limited (Rikair) – a leading indigenous provider of hospital turnkey projects and medical gas and equipment.

The investment will enhance the availability of medical oxygen in Ghana, making it more accessible to communities nationwide.

GIP’s primary goal is to address the funding gap by offering long-term, flexible financing—primarily in local currency—to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

A statement issued by both companies said “This partnership will provide Rikair with the capital needed to expand its distribution of medical-grade liquid oxygen to healthcare facilities across the country, supporting Ghana’s healthcare facilities and addressing critical gaps in medical infrastructure.”

Established in 2001, Rikair has grown into a key supplier of medical gas, equipment, and turnkey hospital solutions across Ghana and West Africa.

The COVID -19 Pandemic highlighted the inadequacies in the production, supply distribution and use of medical oxygen globally, regionally and in Ghana.

Prior to the pandemic, oxygen stockout in health facilities did not receive the required attention. However, since the pandemic, Rikair has played a vital role in addressing the heightened demand for oxygen supplies, which surged by 3-7 times the pre-pandemic levels.

Jacob Kholi, Chief Executive and Investment Officer, GIP Ghana said “This investment in Rikair demonstrates our commitment to addressing critical healthcare challenges in Ghana by supporting local enterprises. By enabling the delivery of medical-grade liquid oxygen to health facilities nationwide, we are helping to build a more resilient healthcare system while fostering sustainable economic growth through SME development.”

Rikair is renowned for designing and installing Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA)-oxygen plants in key healthcare facilities such as the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, the Bank Hospital, Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge), Trust Mother and Child Facility and International Maritime Hospital, Tema.

The Ministry of Health’s National Medical Oxygen Policy (2023) has further emphasized the need for scaling up the production, availability, and use of medical oxygen.

Rikair, as a key player, is well-positioned to deliver on these goals by ensuring the availability of high-quality oxygen and equipment in health facilities nationwide by procuring and distributing quality medical oxygen and accessories and providing onsite PSA plants.

This is GIP’s fourth successful investment since its launch in 2023 building on previous investments in E-Services Africa Limited (eSAL), Truecoco Ghana LTD, and Fido Microcredit, as the platform looks to stimulate growth and development across Ghana’s SME sector.

Nana Asante, Chief Executive Officer, Rikair Company Limited said “We are proud to partner with Growth Investment Partners to expand our capacity in supplying high-quality medical oxygen and equipment across Ghana. This investment will allow us to further our mission of ensuring every health facility has access to essential medical gases, which are crucial for saving lives, especially in underserved regions.”

Kwabena Asante-Poku, Coverage Director for Ghana, British International Investment said “Through Growth Investment Partners, British International Investment aims to drive positive, impactful and sustainable growth in Ghana’s SME sector. Rikair’s essential role in Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure makes it a perfect fit for our vision of supporting businesses that deliver tangible benefits to communities while creating economic value.”

BY TIMES REPORTER