The Ministry of Health has summoned the Chief Executive Officer of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) to explain reports that the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Centre was full and unable to admit new emergency cases.
In a letter dated June 3, 2026, and signed by the Chief Director of the Ministry, Desmond Boateng, on behalf of the Minister of Health, the Ministry expressed concern over statements attributed to the hospital’s management indicating that the emergency centre could no longer receive additional patients.
The Ministry said it had taken note of a statement circulating on social media under the caption, “KATH Accident and Emergency Centre Full and Unable to Admit New Cases – Management.” It also referenced comments reportedly made by the hospital’s Head of Public Affairs on Channel One TV, which appeared to confirm the position of hospital management.
According to the Ministry, the reported decision contradicts a directive issued by President John Dramani Mahama that hospitals should not turn away emergency cases under any circumstances.
“This is contrary to a clear directive of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Ghana to hospitals not to turn away emergency cases,” the letter stated.
The Ministry has therefore directed the KATH CEO to appear before the Minister of Health by noon on Thursday, June 4, 2026, to provide an explanation and justify why disciplinary action should not be taken against him for allegedly contravening the presidential directive.
The letter further emphasized the government’s expectation of full cooperation from the hospital’s leadership as it seeks clarification on the matter.
The development comes amid growing public concern over capacity challenges at major referral hospitals and the implications for access to emergency healthcare services.
KATH, located in Kumasi, is one of Ghana’s largest tertiary healthcare facilities and serves as a major referral centre for the northern and middle belts of the country.
The hospital’s management has yet to publicly respond to the Ministry’s directive.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
