Doctors at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) have begun an indefinite withdrawal of services in protest against the suspension of the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, describing the decision as unjustified and harmful to efforts aimed at addressing challenges at the facility.
The action was announced by the Komfo Anokye Doctors Association (KADA) following an emergency meeting on June 5, 2026, to review recent developments at the hospital, including congestion at the Emergency Department and the suspension of the CEO.
In a statement to the Chairman of the KATH Board, the association expressed disappointment that measures taken by management to handle overwhelming patient numbers and ensure safe care had resulted in disciplinary action against the hospital’s leadership.
According to the doctors, the temporary suspension of new emergency admissions and the diversion of patients to other facilities were necessary steps to prevent avoidable deaths amid severe pressure on the hospital’s resources.
KADA noted that KATH, which serves as a major referral centre for Ghana’s middle and northern regions, continues to face longstanding challenges including inadequate infrastructure and rising patient numbers, describing the current crisis as a reflection of broader systemic issues in the health sector.
The association argued that addressing these challenges requires urgent investment and policy intervention rather than sanctions against administrators managing difficult conditions.
Following deliberations, members unanimously condemned the CEO’s suspension and resolved to withdraw services effective 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026.
The doctors say the industrial action will remain in force until their key demands are met, including a review and reversal of the CEO’s suspension.
They are also calling on the KATH Board to establish clear protocols for handling situations where emergency capacity is exceeded.
Additionally, KADA is urging the Ministry of Health to provide clear timelines for the operationalisation of the Sewua Hospital and Afari Military Hospital, as well as a roadmap for upgrading KATH and other health facilities in the Ashanti Region to ease pressure on the referral centre.
