The Ministry of Health has described as unfortunate the ongoing industrial action by doctors and nurses at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), insisting that the suspension of the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Paa Kwesi Baidoo, was necessary to uphold accountability and administrative discipline within the health sector.
‎‎In a statement, the Ministry explained that the decision to suspend Dr Baidoo followed his announcement of the closure of the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Centre without prior authorisation from the hospital’s governing board or the Ministry.
‎‎According to the Ministry, the action was inconsistent with directives issued by President John Dramani Mahama requiring all public health facilities to provide emergency care to patients and ensure that no one seeking urgent medical attention is turned away.
‎‎The suspension has sparked a strike by members of the Komfo Anokye Doctors Association and the Nurses Chapter at KATH, who have expressed concerns over the decision.
‎‎However, the Ministry stressed that the suspension relates solely to Dr Baidoo’s role as Chief Executive Officer and not his position as a medical practitioner at the hospital.
‎‎”It is important to place on record that the suspension arose from the public announcement of cessation of admission into the Accident and Emergency Unit,” the statement noted, adding that the move was intended to facilitate an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the closure.
‎‎The Ministry further clarified that the suspension had no connection with internal arrangements between KATH and the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate.
‎While acknowledging the longstanding operational difficulties confronting the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Centre, the Ministry maintained that decisions affecting emergency healthcare services at a major referral facility such as KATH must follow established procedures and be coordinated with relevant authorities.
‎‎The Ministry appealed to striking health workers to return to work and utilise existing dispute resolution mechanisms to address their grievances.
‎‎It also reassured the public that urgent steps were being taken to maintain access to emergency healthcare services during the industrial action. The Ghana Health Service has been directed to implement immediate measures to minimise disruptions and ensure continuity of care.
‎The statement highlighted several initiatives being pursued by the Ministry to strengthen healthcare delivery across the country. These include the retooling of major hospitals, the planned introduction of a National Bed Management System, efforts to operationalise the National Emergency Centre at Burma Camp and the completion of selected Agenda 111 hospital projects.
‎‎Other interventions cited include the establishment of cardiac catheterisation laboratories at KATH, the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and the Tamale Teaching Hospital, as well as plans to establish a National Accident and Emergency Centre in Accra.
‎‎The Ministry also provided an update on the Sewua Hospital project, stating that construction work was progressing steadily and that the facility is expected to be completed before the end of 2026.
‎Reaffirming its commitment to both patients and healthcare workers, the Ministry said its actions had been guided by the principles of accountability, professionalism and partnership, rather than confrontation with medical professionals.
‎‎It urged all affected staff at KATH to reconsider their position and resume work in the interest of patients and the wider public while discussions continue to resolve the impasse.
