Suspended KATH CEO appeals to striking staff: 'Return to duty in supreme interest of patients'

The suspended Chief Executive Officer of Ghana's Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo, has urged striking staff to return to their duties, emphasizing the paramount importance of patient care. His appeal comes amidst an industrial action that has disrupted services at the nation's principal tertiary referral center, which serves over eight regions.

“

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.

Dr. Baidoo expressed deep gratitude for the solidarity shown by the hospital staff during his suspension. However, he deferred the resolution of his two-week suspension, which was directed by the Health Minister, to the "supreme wisdom" of the Minister and the hospital's board. The suspension followed the hospital's management decision to temporarily halt the admission of emergency cases on June 3, 2026, due to severe congestion at the Accident and Emergency Centre.

The decision to suspend admissions was an attempt to alleviate overcrowding in the emergency unit, which has been struggling with increasing patient referrals from across the middle and northern sectors of Ghana. In response to the CEO's suspension, the Komfo Anokye branch of the Ghana Medical Association declared an indefinite withdrawal of services. They are demanding the immediate reversal of the suspension and clearer policies for managing situations where emergency capacity is exceeded.

“

However, I need you all to return back 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 (MP), and the Board of KATH.

Nationally, the Ghana Medical Association has backed the local branch, calling for the CEO's reinstatement and warning of further remedial actions if the Health Minister persists with what they term "hostile and confrontational actions" against health workers. Dr. Baidoo reaffirmed his commitment to the President's agenda, urging calm and a return to normalcy at KATH. The situation remains at an impasse as the strike continues, with the GMA demanding the minister withdraw his directive within three working days.

“

I remain committed to the cause of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Ghana.