Monday, 08 June

Suspended KATH CEO appeals to striking staff to resume work

News
Chief Executive of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Dr. (Med) Paa Kwesi Baidoo,

The suspended Chief Executive Officer of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo, has appealed to staff participating in the ongoing industrial action to return to work and help restore healthcare services at the facility.

In a statement released on Monday, June 8, Dr. Baidoo acknowledged the support shown by workers during the dispute but urged them to place the welfare of patients and the broader public above all other considerations.

He called on staff to resume their duties while discussions aimed at resolving their concerns continue at the national level.

According to him, management will leave any further decisions regarding the matter in the hands of the Minister of Health and the hospital's governing board.

The appeal comes at a time when the industrial action has significantly affected operations at the hospital, leaving many patients struggling to access essential medical services.

The situation has raised concerns among patients and their families, particularly given the hospital's role as a major referral centre serving several regions across the country.

Dr. Baidoo's suspension followed a directive from the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, who instructed the hospital's board to relieve him of his duties for two weeks with immediate effect.

The decision was communicated in a letter dated June 5, 2026, after the hospital announced a temporary suspension of emergency admissions due to severe congestion at its Accident and Emergency Centre.

According to the Health Ministry, the announcement was inconsistent with directives issued by President John Dramani Mahama regarding the handling of the situation at the facility.

The temporary halt in emergency admissions sparked public concern and intensified scrutiny of conditions at the hospital, which has been grappling with overcrowding and increasing pressure on its healthcare infrastructure.

As efforts continue to resolve the impasse, patients and healthcare advocates are calling for a swift resolution to ensure the full restoration of services at one of Ghana's leading teaching hospitals.

Source: Classfmonline.com/Zita Okwang