Let's Call Off the Strike and Regroup - Health Minister Akando Pleads with TTH Doctors
Accra, Ghana - 24 April, 2025 - Ghana's Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has called on striking medical doctors and health professionals at the Tamale Teaching Hospital to end their industrial action and resume negotiations.
The appeal comes after the minister relieved the hospital's CEO, Dr. Atik Adam, of his duties over allegations of mismanagement and medical negligence linked to a patient's death.
In a bid to address the hospital's challenges, Minister Akandoh emphasized his commitment to prioritizing the welfare of health professionals and finding sustainable solutions.
He acknowledged concerns raised by staff and urged them to regroup and strategize for the future.
"My humble appeal to the wonderful medical doctors and health professionals at the Tamale Teaching Hospital is that I am the first person to take care of your interest. Therefore, let’s call off the strike and let’s all regroup and strategise going forward," he said at a press briefing on April 24.
The minister also highlighted the need for improved resource management within the health sector, particularly in procurement and maintenance of medical equipment. He cautioned against reliance on government donations and advocated for more sustainable approaches to asset management.
"There are some of the things we easily do with our internally generated funds. It is just not sustainable for the government to keep donating equipment to health facilities, and at the end of the day, when the equipment is obsolete, we run back to the government for money to either maintain or replace this equipment," he added.
However, the Ghana Medical Association has criticized the minister's actions, demanding an apology over the dismissal of the hospital's CEO.
Source: Lead News Online
