GMA demands immediate reinstatement of suspended KATH CEO – Threatens remedial action

The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has strongly called for the immediate withdrawal of the Health Minister's directive to suspend the Chief Executive Officer of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH). The GMA described the action as baseless and demanded the CEO's reinstatement within three working days.

In a statement released on Saturday, June 6, 2026, following an emergency meeting, the GMA expressed its displeasure with the actions of Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh. The Association believes the Minister's directive has indirectly incited public sentiment against health workers.

The Minister, in a letter dated June 5, 2026, instructed the KATH Board to suspend CEO Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo for two weeks. This directive followed the CEO's decision on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, to temporarily halt the admission of emergency cases due to severe overcrowding at the Accident and Emergency Centre.

The GMA asserted that the management's action was a correct and proper professional and administrative decision, aligning with global best practices in patient safety and responsible healthcare leadership. The Council noted that the decision did not abandon patients but rather redirected them to nearby hospitals, ensuring they received safe and timely care with support from KATH specialists.

"The decision, with the coordinated efforts of the Regional Health Directorate, Regional Coordinating Council, health facilities and hard-working health workers in the region led to a significant decongestion of the Accident & Emergency Centre and a resumption of new admissions to the KATH Emergency within 24 hours," the statement read. The GMA considers the initial query and suspension directive unfounded.

The Association fully supports the Komfo Anokye Doctors Association's decision to cease services until the suspension is withdrawn and measures are implemented to improve emergency capacity in Kumasi. The GMA also acknowledged ongoing discussions between the KATH Board and the Komfo Anokye Doctors Association leadership to resolve the impasse. The Association condemned the Minister's actions, stating they incite public anger towards health workers, leading to demotivation and violence against them.

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The decision with the coordinated efforts of the Regional Health Directorate, Regional Coordinating Council, health facilities and hard-working health workers in the region led to a significant decongestion of the Accident & Emergency Centre and a resumption of new admissions to the KATH Emergency within 24 hours.