KATH CEO was suspended to facilitate probe into Emergency Unit closure – MoH

The Ministry of Health has defended the suspension of Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo, Chief Executive Officer of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), following what it describes as his unauthorised decision to close the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Centre.

The administrative action has sparked industrial action by the Komfo Anokye Doctors Association and the hospital’s local nurses’ chapter, a development the Ministry has described as unfortunate.

In a statement issued by its Public Relations Unit, the Ministry said the suspension is an administrative measure intended to facilitate an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the closure of the emergency facility.

According to the Ministry, the decision was taken to uphold institutional accountability and patient safety after Dr. Baidoo allegedly failed to follow established administrative procedures.

The controversy stems from a directive issued by President John Dramani Mahama during his State of the Nation Address, in which he instructed all public health facilities to ensure emergency patients are treated and never turned away under any circumstances.

The Ministry maintains that Dr. Baidoo’s public announcement suspending admissions at the emergency centre directly contradicted that directive and was made without approval from either the KATH Board or the Ministry of Health.

“For the avoidance of doubt, this has nothing to do with the internal arrangements agreed between the hospital and the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate,” the Ministry stated.

It further clarified that Dr. Baidoo has been suspended only from his administrative position as Chief Executive Officer and not from his role as a medical practitioner.

Meanwhile, government officials are appealing to the striking doctors and nurses to reconsider their action and use established dispute resolution mechanisms rather than interrupting patient care.

The Ministry said the Ghana Health Service has been directed to implement immediate measures to ensure emergency healthcare services remain accessible while discussions with the affected staff continue.

Addressing concerns raised by KATH personnel, the Ministry indicated that the issues are receiving urgent attention from the Minister for Health.

Officials also highlighted ongoing interventions in the health sector, including the retooling of major hospitals, the rollout of a National Bed Management System, and progress on the Sewua Hospital Project, which is expected to be completed before the end of 2026.

“At no point has the Minister adopted an adversarial posture towards doctors or any category of health professionals,” the statement noted, adding that the Ministry remains committed to partnership, dialogue and professionalism.

The Ministry concluded by urging the striking doctors and nurses to return to work in the interest of patients and the wider public.