The Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Abukari II, has taken steps to mediate the ongoing strike by doctors at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH), dispatching a high-level delegation to engage with stakeholders in an effort to resolve the impasse.
The delegation, led by Zangbalun Naa Dr. Yakubu II, Chief of the Zangbalun Traditional Area, met with the hospital’s management and representatives of the Doctors Association of Tamale Teaching Hospital (DATTH) to discuss a path forward.
Delivering a message on behalf of the Yaa Naa, the delegation acknowledged the doctors’ dedication and legitimate concerns, but appealed to them to consider resuming essential services—particularly emergency care, walk-in consultations, and specialist treatments—to save lives.
“As a neutral facilitator, the Yaa Naa is prepared to convey your concerns directly to the Minister of Health and engage with him to find a long-term solution. In the meantime, we urge you to ensure the continuity of emergency services to prevent further loss and suffering,” the message stated.
Dr. Salifu Alhassan Tiah, Director of Pharmacy, speaking on behalf of the Acting CEO of TTH, welcomed the intervention and called for cooperation.
“We must accord the highest respect to His Royal Highness and this delegation. If there’s any difficulty among us, it is fitting that we listen with open hearts and consider the guidance offered,” he said.
The strike, now in its second day, has significantly disrupted healthcare delivery at the hospital, leaving many patients and their families stranded and frustrated.
Doctors at TTH suspended emergency and outpatient services on April 24, following what they described as “unwarranted attacks” from Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh and Tamale North MP Alhassan Suhuyini.
Their decision came after an emergency general assembly of DATTH on April 23, triggered by an incident involving the Health Minister during his visit to the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit on April 22.
As tensions remain high, the Yaa Naa’s intervention is seen as a hopeful step toward restoring dialogue and essential medical services.
