The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has strongly condemned developments at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH), describing them as deeply troubling and unjust.
In a press release dated April 23, 2025, the GMA expressed grave concern over the treatment of doctors at the hospital’s emergency unit during a visit by the Minister of Health and the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tamale North.
The association also criticized the abrupt dismissal of the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Adam Atiku describing the move as a violation of due process and an abuse of power by the Health Minister.
“The GMA strongly condemns the unfortunate treatment of the doctors at the Emergency unit of the Hospital during the visit by the Minister of Health and the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tamale North and subsequent dismissal of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Hospital.
The manner in which the dismissal was carried out is an affront to due process and abuse of power by the Hon. Minister of Health. The GMA stands in solidarity with our colleagues in the wake of these injustices being perpetuated.”
GMA emphasized its unwavering support for the affected staff, calling the CEO’s dismissal an “affront to due process” and an example of executive overreach.
The group further condemned what it called an “ill-informed media audit” into a patient’s death, arguing that it violated patient confidentiality, exposed the hospital to legal risks, and prejudged the matter before any formal investigation. According to GMA, this has subjected the doctors involved to trial in the court of public opinion.
The statement also revealed that the head of the Emergency Unit has been targeted with threats and cyberbullying, putting his safety and that of other staff at risk and causing psychological distress.
Warning of the long-term impact of these actions, GMA cautioned that such developments could demoralize healthcare professionals and erode public trust in the health system.
While acknowledging the concerns of the patient’s family, as well as those raised by the Minister and MP, the association stressed the importance of established grievance procedures.
It condemned what it termed “circuses of public engagement” that inflame emotions without offering real solutions.
GMA is demanding an unqualified apology from both the Minister of Health and the Tamale North MP for what it describes as an unwarranted attack on hospital staff.
“The Ghana Medical Association therefore demands an unqualified apology from the Minister of Health and the Member of Parliament for Tamale North for the unwarranted attack on the staff involved,” the statement added.
It also called on the hospital administration to follow due process in investigating the family’s complaints and to prioritize lasting resolutions.
Furthermore, GMA urged hospital management to ensure the safety and psychological well-being of affected staff members.
Reaffirming its commitment to constructive dialogue, GMA reiterated the need to address the broader systemic challenges in the health sector rather than scapegoating health professionals for issues beyond their control.
The association also highlighted the difficult conditions under which medical professionals continue to work, often with limited resources.
