The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has clarified the circumstances surrounding reported congestion at the Accident and Emergency Centre of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), stating that the facility did not turn away emergency patients but rather implemented temporary measures to manage overwhelming patient numbers.
In a press statement, jointly signed by President, Prof. Dr. (Med) Ernest Yorke, and General Secretary, Dr. (Dent) Richard Selormey, the Association said it had followed public discussions on the matter closely and engaged management and staff of KATH, as well as reviewed explanations provided by hospital authorities and related regional health meetings.
According to the GMA, its assessment suggests that the temporary arrangements were introduced to support the redistribution of patients to peripheral health facilities within the Ashanti Region, as part of efforts to ease pressure on the Accident and Emergency Centre.
It noted that available information indicates the hospital was operating beyond its designed capacity, necessitating urgent operational measures to safeguard patient care and ensure the treatment of critically ill patients already admitted.
A review of minutes from a meeting held on June 2, 2026, by the Regional Health Directorate, the Association said, pointed to agreed interventions aimed at addressing the congestion situation.
The GMA further observed that the situation at the Accident and Emergency Centre has since improved significantly.
While acknowledging the resolution of the immediate challenge, the Association said the incident highlights wider systemic issues in Ghana’s emergency healthcare delivery system.
It called for sustained investment in emergency medicine infrastructure, expansion of emergency care facilities, and stronger referral systems, as well as improved resourcing of regional and district hospitals to manage cases closer to communities.
“The GMA emphasizes that every Ghanaian, regardless of where they live, should have timely access to quality emergency medical care,” the statement said.
The Association also commended healthcare workers at KATH and across the Ashanti Region for their efforts in managing the situation under difficult conditions.
However, it expressed concern over what it described as the tone of a query letter issued to the Chief Executive Officer of KATH, suggesting it appeared to imply wrongdoing by hospital management.
The GMA expressed hope that ongoing engagements between the Health Minister and KATH leadership would lead to constructive outcomes aimed at strengthening emergency healthcare delivery rather than punitive consequences.
