The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has slammed the recent dismissal of the Chief Executive Officer of the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH), describing the move as an abuse of authority and a breach of established protocols by the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh.
In a statement released on Wednesday, April 23, the GMA expressed deep concern over how events at the facility have unfolded, particularly during the Minister’s visit, which culminated in the abrupt removal of the CEO.
“The manner in which the dismissal was carried out is an affront to due process and abuse of power by the Hon. Minister of Health. The GMA stands in solidarity with our colleagues in the wake of these injustices being perpetuated,” the Association stated.
The GMA further criticised what it termed a “media audit” of the death of a patient at the hospital’s emergency unit, arguing that the public commentary surrounding the case compromised patient confidentiality and undermined the principles of justice and professionalism.
It also raised alarms over the safety and well-being of hospital staff, revealing that the head of the Emergency Unit has received threats and has become a target of cyberbullying since the incident gained media traction.
“These acts, if continued, have the tendency of demoralising committed workers and reducing public confidence in the health system,” the GMA noted, adding that accountability should be pursued through proper investigative channels rather than public scapegoating.
The Association is demanding an unqualified apology from both the Minister and the Tamale North Member of Parliament for what it called “unwarranted attacks” against medical personnel at the facility.
It also urged the hospital’s leadership to uphold due process in handling the matter and to prioritise the safety and mental health of affected staff by offering the necessary psychological support.
Reaffirming its dedication to improving Ghana’s healthcare system, the GMA concluded by saying it is closely observing developments at TTH and will provide further guidance to its members if the situation escalates.
President John Dramani Mahama has relieved the Chief Executive Officer of the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH), Dr. Adam Atiku, of his duties pending an internal investigation into the death of a patient at its Accident and Emergency Ward, over alleged negligence.
The deceased is said to have died due to the absence of a ventilator at the hospital. In a statement dated Monday, April 21, the hospital authorities expressed their condolences to the bereaved family and acknowledged the public’s growing concern. It has revealed that a committee has been set up to look into the incident, with management urging the public to avoid speculating until the investigation is complete.
Amid concerns over the matter, the Minister for Health, Hon Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, paid a working visit to the Hospital on Tuesday, April 22. The purpose of this visit was to obtain first-hand information regarding the circumstances surrounding the victim’s death.
However, the Minister expressed deep frustration upon learning that vital equipment including emergency unit ventilators, MRI scanners, diagnostic devices, and sterilisation tools were out of service. He criticised the facility’s condition, calling it “an unacceptable state of neglect,” and questioned why basic medical services were being outsourced to private health centres.
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