The suspended Chief Executive Officer of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo, has appealed to doctors, nurses and other staff members who have embarked on an indefinite strike to return to work in the interest of patients and the nation.

The appeal follows the decision by some staff of the hospital to withdraw their services in protest against his suspension.

The industrial action has affected operations at the facility, with KATH also announcing a temporary suspension of admissions at its Emergency Unit due to the ongoing situation.

In a statement addressed to staff, Dr. Baidoo expressed appreciation for the support and solidarity shown to him since his suspension.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all staff of the hospital for your show of solidarity with me during this period. I am very grateful for your support,” he stated.

Despite the support he has received, Dr. Baidoo urged staff to put the welfare of patients first and return to their duties while the matter is being addressed by the appropriate authorities.

“However, I need you all to return to duty in the supreme interest of Ghanaians and our valued patients, whilst I defer the outcome and directions to the supreme wisdom of the Hon. Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, and the Board of KATH,” he added.

The strike action was declared following the suspension of Dr. Baidoo, a decision that has generated concerns among health professionals and the general public, particularly given the hospital’s role as one of the country’s leading referral health facilities.

The temporary closure of the Emergency Unit to new admissions has heightened concerns about access to healthcare services in the Ashanti Region and beyond, as KATH serves thousands of patients from across the country.