Ghana Medical Association condemns dismissal of Tamale Teaching Hospital CEO, demands apology

The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has launched a scathing rebuke of recent developments at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH), condemning the dismissal of the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer and the treatment of medical staff as a gross abuse of power by the Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh.

In a strongly worded statement issued Wednesday (23 April), the GMA described the minister’s actions during a recent visit to the facility as “an affront to due process” and expressed deep concern over what it viewed as political interference in the management of a key national health institution.

“The manner in which the dismissal was carried out is an affront to due process and an abuse of power by the Hon. Minister of Health,” the GMA stated. “The GMA stands in solidarity with our colleagues in the wake of these injustices being perpetuated.”

The association is also demanding an unqualified apology from Minister Akandoh and the Member of Parliament for Tamale North, accusing both of launching “unwarranted attacks” against hospital personnel following the recent death of a patient at the facility.

GMA leadership took particular issue with what it described as a “media audit” of the incident, warning that it breached patient confidentiality, exposed the institution to legal liability, and inflamed public sentiment against healthcare professionals.

“The head of the Emergency Unit has since received threats and been subjected to cyberbullying, endangering his safety and mental well-being,” the GMA warned. “These acts, if continued, have the tendency of demoralising committed workers and reducing public confidence in the health system.”

The association called on the hospital’s management to protect its personnel, ensure the safety and psychological well-being of affected staff, and commit to a fair and lawful resolution process.

While expressing its readiness to collaborate on long-term reforms, the GMA cautioned that it was closely monitoring the situation and would not hesitate to advise its members accordingly should the current climate of intimidation persist.

“The GMA remains committed to supporting sustainable improvements in healthcare delivery across the country,” the statement said. “But this must begin with respect for the rule of law, professional integrity, and the protection of frontline health workers.”