Minority health caucus condemns Health Minister over dismissal of Tamale Teaching Hospital CEO

The Minority Health Caucus in Parliament has issued a strong rebuke against Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh for what they describe as an unlawful and unjustified dismissal of Adam Atiku, Chief Executive Officer of the Tamale Teaching Hospital.

 Atiku’s removal follows allegations of mismanagement and medical negligence that allegedly contributed to the recent death of a patient at the facility.

However, Members of Parliament from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) say the Minister’s decision violates both constitutional and administrative procedures, and they are demanding an immediate reversal.

In a press release issued on Wednesday, 23 April, the caucus described the Minister’s action as “unlawful, void, and of no effect”, arguing that it contradicts the principles of accountability, rule of law, and administrative justice.

“This attitude is not only authoritarian but diametrically opposed to the principles of administrative justice, accountability, and the rule of law,” the statement read.

The MPs cited sections 34, 37, and 42 of the Ghana Health Service and Teaching Hospitals (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 1009), asserting that the law does not grant the Health Minister unilateral authority to terminate the appointment of a teaching hospital CEO under such circumstances.

The group is also calling on professional health associations and workers’ unions to rise in defense of Atiku and demand his reinstatement.

Background to the Controversy

On Tuesday, 22 April, Minister Akandoh visited the Tamale Teaching Hospital to assess the facility and gather information about an incident involving the death of a patient, Bavug Salim, who was referred to the hospital a few weeks prior.

According to reports, Salim was brought to the red zone of the Emergency Ward in an unconscious state but was allegedly left unattended for several hours. He later died, sparking widespread concern about negligence at the hospital.

During the visit, Valentine Akwulpwa attempted to explain the events surrounding the incident, but the Minister reportedly found the explanation inadequate. He also expressed broader concerns about the hospital’s management and resource allocation, which led to Atiku’s dismissal.

In response to the incident, the Minister has established a three-member committee to investigate the case. The committee is expected to submit its findings within two weeks.

As the controversy deepens, stakeholders are watching closely to see whether the Minister will heed calls to reverse his decision or defend the action in the face of mounting political and institutional pressure.

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