Former Deputy Minister of Health, Alexander Akwasi Acquah wants Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh to reverse the suspension of the Chief Executive Officer of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Dr Paa Kwesi Baidoo, describing the decision as harsh and potentially detrimental to healthcare delivery.
His comments come amid escalating tensions at the hospital, with doctors embarking on an indefinite withdrawal of services in protest against the suspension of the CEO.
The industrial action was announced by the Komfo Anokye Doctors Association (KADA) following an emergency meeting on June 5, 2026, convened to discuss recent developments at the facility, including severe congestion at the Emergency Department and the subsequent suspension of Dr Baidoo.
Speaking on Citi News Digest on Saturday, June 6, Akwasi Acquah said the Ministry of Health should reconsider the decision and focus instead on addressing the longstanding challenges confronting the country’s healthcare system.
According to him, the circumstances that led to the suspension reflect deeper structural problems within the health sector that have been neglected for years.
“I think their demand is for the Minister to relook at the suspension and the punishment given to the CEO and accept the fact that this situation has come about because we have paid lip service to our healthcare space for quite too long,” he said.
Mr Acquah argued that inadequate infrastructure and limited investment in healthcare facilities have placed enormous pressure on referral hospitals such as KATH, making it difficult for health professionals to effectively manage growing patient numbers.
He maintained that healthcare workers require adequate space and a conducive working environment to provide quality care and suggested that the hospital’s decision to collaborate with other health facilities within its catchment area to manage patient referrals may have been the most practical option under the circumstances.
“For a healthcare professional, it will be out of place for them to decide that no matter the situation, they just have to pile up emergency cases. They need the space and a very thriving environment to be able to take care of patients,” he stated.
Mr Acquah further noted that if hospital management had taken steps to work with other agencies and hospitals to ensure patients continued receiving treatment elsewhere, then the decision should be viewed within the context of protecting patient care rather than attracting sanctions.
He warned that the ongoing dispute could have serious implications for healthcare delivery if not resolved quickly.
“I think the Minister’s action is a bit harsh and he may have to rescind his decision so that our healthcare doesn’t collapse,” he added.
Meanwhile, patients seeking healthcare services at the hospital were left stranded on Saturday, June 6, following the commencement of the indefinite strike action.
Many expressed concern about the implications of the industrial action on their health, especially those suffering from chronic medical conditions.
