The Ministry of Health has defended its decision to suspend the Chief Executive Officer of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo, describing the ongoing strike by doctors and nurses at the facility as unfortunate and urging healthcare workers to return to work.
In a statement issued on June 7, 2026, the Ministry said the suspension was an administrative measure aimed at ensuring accountability and facilitating an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the temporary closure of the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Centre.
According to the Ministry, the CEO’s suspension followed a public announcement halting admissions at the emergency unit, a move it said contravened directives issued by President John Dramani Mahama on access to emergency healthcare services.
“The decision was carefully considered and taken in the interest of institutional accountability, patient safety, and the need to uphold administrative discipline within the health sector,” the statement said.
The Ministry clarified that the suspension was unrelated to any internal arrangements between KATH and the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate and affected only Dr. Baidoo’s role as CEO, not his position as a medical officer.
It noted that emergency healthcare services remain a national priority and recalled the President’s directive during the State of the Nation Address that no patient seeking emergency care should be turned away under any circumstances.
The Ministry expressed concern that the closure of the Accident and Emergency Centre was announced without prior approval from the KATH Board or the Ministry, describing the action as inconsistent with established procedures.
While acknowledging the operational challenges facing the emergency unit, the Ministry stressed that decisions with significant implications for healthcare delivery at a major referral hospital must be coordinated with relevant authorities.
The statement also addressed concerns raised by doctors and nurses, emphasizing that dialogue and established dispute resolution mechanisms remain the appropriate channels for resolving grievances.
Meanwhile, the Ministry highlighted several interventions being undertaken to strengthen healthcare delivery nationwide, including the retooling of major hospitals, the rollout of a National Bed Management System, efforts to operationalise selected Agenda 111 hospital projects, and the establishment of catheterisation laboratories at KATH, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, and Tamale Teaching Hospital.
The Ministry further disclosed that work on the Sewua Hospital Project is progressing steadily and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
It assured the public that concerns raised by health workers at KATH are receiving urgent attention and announced that the Ghana Health Service has been directed to implement immediate measures to maintain access to emergency healthcare services during the industrial action.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to patient welfare and the creation of a safe working environment for health professionals, while appealing to striking staff to reconsider their decision and resume work in the interest of the public.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
