The Ministry of Health has described the recent developments at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) as unfortunate, following strike action by doctors and nurses in protest against the suspension of the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo.
In a statement issued on June 7, the Ministry said the decision to suspend Dr. Baidoo was taken after careful consideration and was intended to uphold institutional accountability, patient safety, and administrative discipline within the health sector.
According to the Ministry, the suspension stems from the public announcement of the cessation of admissions at the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Centre, a move it says was inconsistent with a directive by President John Dramani Mahama that emergency healthcare services must remain accessible to all patients under all circumstances.
The Ministry clarified that the suspension relates solely to Dr. Baidoo’s role as CEO and not his position as a medical officer at the hospital. It further stressed that the action was not connected to any internal arrangements between KATH and the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate.
Officials noted that the closure of a major emergency facility such as KATH’s Accident and Emergency Centre required prior authorization from both the hospital’s governing board and the Ministry of Health, which had not been obtained.
“The suspension is an administrative measure intended to facilitate an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the closure and provide remedies going forward,” the statement said.
The Ministry acknowledged the concerns raised by healthcare workers but emphasized that dialogue and established dispute resolution mechanisms remain the appropriate means of addressing grievances.
It also reiterated that the suspension was not intended to punish efforts aimed at protecting patients, but rather to ensure accountability, effective communication, and compliance with national health policies.
While recognizing the longstanding operational challenges facing KATH’s emergency unit, the Ministry maintained that decisions with significant implications for healthcare delivery must follow established protocols and be coordinated with relevant authorities.
The statement highlighted several initiatives currently being pursued to strengthen healthcare delivery across the country. These include the retooling of major hospitals, the rollout of a National Bed Management System, preparations to operationalize the National Emergency Centre at Burma Camp, efforts to complete selected Agenda 111 projects, and the establishment of cardiac catheterization laboratories at KATH, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, and Tamale Teaching Hospital.
The Ministry also disclosed that plans are at an advanced stage to establish a National Accident and Emergency Centre in Accra, while work on the Sewua Hospital Project is progressing steadily and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
Assuring the public that the concerns of doctors and nurses are receiving urgent attention, the Ministry said it remains committed to safeguarding patient welfare while ensuring a safe and conducive working environment for healthcare professionals.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Health Service has been directed to implement immediate measures to guarantee continued access to emergency healthcare services as discussions continue with striking health workers.
The Ministry concluded by appealing to all affected staff at KATH to reconsider their decision and return to work in the interest of patients and the general public.
Story By: Eric Boateng
