The Ghana Medical Association has given the Health Minister a three-working-day ultimatum to reverse the suspension of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital’s CEO, warning of further action if their demand is ignored.
The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has called for the immediate reinstatement of suspended Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) Chief Executive Officer Dr Paa Kwesi Baidoo, giving the Health Minister three working days to comply or face “remedial actions.”
In a statement issued on Saturday, June 6, 2026, following an emergency meeting of its National Executive Council, the GMA condemned Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh’s directive to suspend the CEO, describing the action as baseless.
The Minister, in a letter dated June 5, directed the KATH Board to suspend Dr Baidoo for two weeks over the CEO’s decision to temporarily halt admissions of emergency cases on Wednesday, June 3, due to severe congestion at the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Centre.
GMA Defends Hospital Management
The Association insisted that KATH management took the “right and proper professional and administrative decision,” aligned with global best practices in patient safety and responsible healthcare leadership.
The GMA noted that the action did not turn patients away to their fate but redirected them to nearby hospitals with specialist support from KATH. This coordinated effort, involving the Regional Health Directorate and other facilities, led to significant decongestion within 24 hours and a resumption of new admissions.
“The initial query issued and subsequent directive for suspension were without basis and ought not to have been occasioned,” the statement read.
Full Support for Striking Doctors
The GMA declared its full support for the Komfo Anokye Doctors Association, which has withdrawn services until the suspension is withdrawn and measures are put in place to improve emergency capacity in the Kumasi enclave.
The Association also condemned what it described as the Minister’s hostile actions, which it said have incited the public against health workers, leading to demotivation and increasing violence against health professionals.
“If such acts continue, the Association and its members will have no choice but to take remedial actions to ensure the sector does not degenerate into chaos,” the statement warned.
The GMA urged all members to remain calm as the Council explores resolutions, adding that it will reconvene to decide on next steps.
Background to the Dispute
KATH, the principal tertiary referral centre for Ghana’s middle and northern sectors, serves patients from more than eight regions under significant infrastructural limitations. Doctors argue the crisis reflects systemic challenges requiring policy and infrastructure solutions, not punitive measures against healthcare leaders.
The striking doctors are also demanding clear timelines for the operationalisation of the Sewua Hospital and Afari Military Hospital, as well as the retooling of KATH and other Ashanti Region health facilities.
