Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has called for calm at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) in the Northern Region and appealed to striking doctors to return to work following tensions triggered by his recent unannounced visit to the facility.

Addressing a press conference in Accra on Thursday, April 24, the Juaboso MP clarified that his surprise inspection was not meant to disrespect any health worker but was motivated by personal experience, empathy, and a commitment to improving Ghana’s health sector.

“It can happen to anybody—it happened to me,” Akandoh said, recounting how he was once rushed to Nyinahini District Hospital following an accident.

“I never imagined I would end up there, but I did.

From where I sit today, I am committed to contributing my quota to the development of this sector.”

The Minister stressed that he holds medical professionals in high regard and meant no offence.

“Disrespecting doctors or health workers is the last thing I would ever do.

But let it be said that respect is reciprocal,” he added.

Mr. Akandoh’s comments come in the wake of a heated confrontation with hospital staff during his unannounced visit to TTH, aimed at investigating the reported death of a patient, Bavug Salim, allegedly due to the unavailability of a functional ventilator in the emergency unit.

During the visit, the Minister was visibly dismayed upon discovering that several critical pieces of medical equipment—including ventilators, diagnostic machines, sterilisation units, and MRI scanners—were non-functional.

A video capturing a tense exchange between Akandoh and Dr. Valentine Akwulpwa, Head of the Accident and Emergency Department, quickly went viral, sparking a wave of public reaction.

The fallout from the visit led to the dismissal of TTH’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Adam Atiku—a decision that has drawn strong criticism from the Ghana Medical Association (GMA).

The GMA has not only demanded an apology from the Minister but is also pushing for Dr. Atiku’s immediate reinstatement.

Meanwhile, Dr. Bawah Abdulai has been appointed as his replacement.

In response to the dismissal and subsequent tensions, the Doctors Association of Tamale Teaching Hospital (DATTH) has suspended emergency and outpatient services indefinitely, leaving many patients without access to care.

Minister Akandoh reiterated his readiness to collaborate with all stakeholders in the health sector to find lasting solutions.

“I’m prepared to work with everybody in the sector,” he assured.