Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has issued an unqualified apology to doctors of the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) following an unannounced visit to the hospital.
The Minister clarified that he had no intention of disrespecting medical professionals during the encounter.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Thursday, April 24, the Health Minister recalled a personal experience to illustrate his empathy and commitment to the health sector.
“It can happen to anybody, it happened to me. When I had an accident, the first place I was rushed to was Nyinahini District Hospital. I never imagined that I would one day be at Nyinahini District Hospital, but I was there,” he said.
Reaffirming his respect for health workers, Akandoh noted: “And so, today, from where I sit, I will contribute my quota to the development of this sector. I have absolutely no intention to disrespect any medical doctor or health worker; that will be the last thing I will do. But let it be said that respect is reciprocal.”
He further stated his openness to collaboration, adding, “I’m prepared to work with everybody in the sector.”
He added, “My humble appeal to the medical doctors and health practitioners at Tamale Teaching Hospital is that I am the first person to take care of your interests. Therefore, let us call off the strike and let us all regroup and strategise the way forward.”
“There are some of the things we can do with our internally generated funds, so please, let us confront the issues as they are,” he appealed.
Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, announced the immediate dismissal of Dr. Adam Atiku following a visit to the hospital.
During the visit, the minister raised concerns over how the hospital was being poorly managed, and the recent death of a patient at the hospital attributed to neglect.
A video of a heated exchange between Akandoh and Dr. Valentine Akwulpwa, Head of the Accident and Emergency Department, quickly went viral on social media, sparking widespread debate and public criticism.
Speaking in an interview, Mr. Akandoh confirmed that a formal letter had been issued to communicate Dr. Atiku’s termination.
“As I speak to you now, we have thanked him for the services he rendered at the Tamale Teaching Hospital. We believe it is time for someone else to continue as CEO. He has been sacked with immediate effect.”
The dismissal comes amid growing scrutiny of the hospital’s operations, including allegations of negligence linked to the recent death of a patient.
In protest, the Doctors Association of Tamale Teaching Hospital (DATTH) indefinitely suspended emergency and outpatient services.
The group cited “unwarranted attacks” from the Health Minister and other officials and is demanding unconditional apologies along with the immediate provision of essential medical equipment and supplies before resuming full services.
Watch video:
Health Minister appeals to doctors at Tamale Teaching Hospital to call off their suspension but refuses to apologize as demanded.#JoyNews pic.twitter.com/vPZ24nfU4a
— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) April 24, 2025
