GMA Demands Reinstatement of KATH CEO, Backs Doctors’ Strike and Slams Health Minister

The Ghana Medical Association has called for the immediate withdrawal of the Health Minister’s directive suspending the Chief Executive Officer of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, describing the move as baseless.

In a statement dated June 6, 2026, the National Executive Council of the GMA said it had deliberated on the Minister’s June 5 letter to the KATH Board during an emergency meeting held Saturday.

The Council defended management’s decision to temporarily halt emergency admissions at KATH, calling it the “right and proper professional and administrative decision” in line with global best practice. It said the action did not turn patients away or flout the President’s directive, but rather redirected them to nearby hospitals with KATH specialists’ support.

According to the GMA, coordinated efforts with the Regional Health Directorate, Regional Coordinating Council, health facilities and staff led to significant decongestion of the Accident and Emergency Centre and the resumption of new admissions within 24 hours.

The Council said the query and suspension directive issued to the CEO were “without basis and ought not to have been occasioned.” It is demanding that the suspension be withdrawn and the CEO reinstated within three working days.

The GMA also declared full support for the Komfo Anokye Doctors Association’s decision to withdraw services until the suspension is reversed and measures are put in place to improve emergency capacity in the Kumasi enclave.

The statement, signed by GMA President Prof. Dr. Ernest Yorke and General Secretary Dr. Richard Selormey, further expressed “utmost displeasure” at actions by Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh. The GMA accused the Minister of indirectly inciting the public against health workers, increasing demotivation and sparking incidents of violence.

It urged the Minister to cease “hostile and confrontational actions” and engage constructively to improve morale. The GMA warned that if such acts continue, it will take remedial action to prevent the sector from degenerating into chaos.

The Council said it is monitoring the situation and will reconvene to decide on next steps, while noting ongoing engagements between the KATH Board and KADA to resolve the impasse.