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 strike action by doctors and nurses at the facility as unfortunate.
In a statement, the Ministry explained that the suspension was not intended as punishment but rather an administrative measure to ensure accountability and facilitate an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the announced closure of the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Centre.
According to the Ministry, the decision followed Dr. Baidoo’s public announcement of the cessation of admissions at the emergency unit without prior approval from the hospital’s Governing Board or the Ministry.
The Ministry maintained that the action was inconsistent with a directive issued by President John Dramani Mahama, which requires all public health facilities to continue providing emergency healthcare services and prohibits them from turning away patients under any circumstances.
Officials clarified that the suspension relates solely to Dr. Baidoo’s role as Chief Executive Officer and does not affect his position as a medical practitioner at the hospital.
The statement further stressed that the matter is unrelated to internal arrangements between the hospital and the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate, contrary to claims circulating in the public domain.
The Ministry expressed concern that the closure of a major emergency facility at one of Ghana’s leading referral hospitals could have serious implications for patient care and therefore required strict adherence to established administrative procedures.
While acknowledging the operational challenges facing the Accident and Emergency Centre, the Ministry noted that decisions with national implications for healthcare delivery must be properly coordinated with the relevant authorities.
The Ministry also appealed to members of the Komfo Anokye Doctors Association and the Nurses Chapter to reconsider their industrial action and return to work while discussions continue.
It emphasised that dialogue remains the most appropriate avenue for resolving grievances and ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services for the public.
Meanwhile, the Ministry disclosed that the Ghana Health Service has been directed to implement immediate measures to guarantee the continued provision of emergency healthcare services during the impasse.
The statement highlighted several ongoing interventions aimed at improving healthcare delivery across the country, including hospital retooling, the introduction of a National Bed Management System, efforts to operationalise selected Agenda 111 projects, and the establishment of cardiac catheterisation laboratories at KATH, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and Tamale Teaching Hospital.
The Ministry further revealed that work on the Sewua Hospital project is progressing steadily and is expected to be completed before the end of 2026.
Reaffirming its commitment to both patients and health workers, the Ministry said it remains focused on ensuring a safe working environment while safeguarding access to quality healthcare services nationwide.
