Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has called for calm at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) and appealed to doctors to return to duty following unrest triggered by his recent unannounced visit to the facility.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Thursday, April 24, the Juaboso MP clarified that his actions were not meant to disrespect any health worker.
He explained that his visit stemmed from personal experience and a deep sense of responsibility toward improving the health sector.
“It can happen to anyone—it happened to me,” Akandoh said, recounting how he was once rushed to Nyinahini District Hospital following an accident. “I never thought I would one day find myself there, but I was. That experience reinforced my commitment to contribute meaningfully to this sector.”
He emphasized that he values collaboration and has no intention of undermining medical professionals. “Respect is reciprocal,” he noted. “I’m fully prepared to work with everyone in the health sector.”
The controversy began on Tuesday when Mr. Akandoh paid a surprise visit to TTH in the Northern Region to investigate circumstances surrounding the death of a patient, Bavug Salim, who reportedly died due to the lack of a functional ventilator in the emergency unit.
The visit escalated into a confrontation with hospital staff after the Minister discovered that several critical medical devices—including ventilators, MRI scanners, and sterilization and diagnostic equipment—were non-functional.
A video capturing a heated exchange between Mr. Akandoh and Dr. Valentine Akwulpwa, Head of the Accident and Emergency Department, circulated widely on social media, drawing public attention and criticism.
Following the incident, the Chief Executive Officer of TTH, Dr. Adam Atiku, was dismissed—a decision that has been met with backlash from the Ghana Medical Association (GMA).
The GMA condemned the dismissal, demanded an apology from the Minister, and called for Dr. Atiku’s reinstatement. In the interim, Dr. Bawah Abdulai has been appointed as the hospital’s new CEO.
In protest, the Doctors Association of Tamale Teaching Hospital (DATTH) has indefinitely suspended emergency and outpatient services, leaving many patients without access to critical care.
As the situation develops, the Health Minister has reiterated his readiness to engage stakeholders and work toward lasting improvements in the country’s healthcare system.
