Hopeson Adorye defends Health Minister's authority in KATH CEO suspension

United Party’s Hopeson Adorye has defended the authority of the Health Minister to take disciplinary action against officials under his supervision, rejecting arguments that the suspension of the Chief Executive Officer of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) was procedurally wrong.

Speaking during a discussion on Joy News, Adorye argued that ministers are appointed to ensure institutions under their supervision function effectively and should not be prevented from acting when problems arise.

"You cannot say a minister has no right to act," he said.

The debate has centred partly on whether the Health Minister should have directly ordered the suspension or left the matter entirely to the hospital’s governing board.

Adorye maintained that such arguments overlook the responsibilities associated with ministerial office.

"Tomorrow, if you are a minister and they say this to you, will you be happy? Why are you there as a minister? You are there to make sure things go right," he stated.

He pointed to the Health Minister’s recent unannounced visit to the Tamale Teaching Hospital, where concerns were reportedly raised about conditions and service delivery.

"The Health Minister went there unannounced. He saw what was happening and he took action," Adorye said.

According to him, government officials charged with overseeing public institutions must be allowed to intervene when they believe standards are falling or directives are not being followed.

"Let us try to obey rules and regulations. Let us try to obey directives from our superiors. Then we can move forward," he added.

Adorye's comments come amid ongoing public debate over the extent of ministerial authority and the proper procedures for disciplinary actions involving the heads of public institutions.