KATH CEO suspended as administrator, not doctor, Health Ministry clarifies
The Ministry of Health has clarified that the suspension of the Chief Executive Officer of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Dr Paa Kwesi Baidoo, applies only to his position as the administrative head of the hospital and does not affect his status as a medical officer.
The clarification was contained in a statement issued by the Ministry on June 7, 2026, following an indefinite strike by members of the Komfo Anokye Doctors Association and the Nurses Chapter in protest against Dr Baidoo's suspension.
The suspension followed an announcement by KATH management on the temporary closure of admissions to the hospital's Accident and Emergency Centre because of severe congestion. Earlier reports by Graphic Online and Citi News said the Minister of Health, Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, directed the KATH Board, under Section 36(1) of the Ghana Health Service and Teaching Hospitals Act, 1996 (Act 526), to suspend Dr Baidoo for two weeks with immediate effect.
The decision was taken after it was determined that the announcement was contrary to a directive by President John Dramani Mahama that public hospitals should not turn away emergency cases under any circumstances.
In the statement, the Ministry said Dr Baidoo "was suspended from the administrative head of the hospital (CEO) and not as a Medical Officer of the hospital", adding that the distinction was necessary to place on record.
The Ministry explained that the suspension was an administrative measure intended to allow for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the closure of the Accident and Emergency Centre and to identify appropriate corrective measures.
It said the action was taken in the interest of institutional accountability, patient safety and administrative discipline within the health sector.
The Ministry also stated that the suspension does not affect any internal arrangements agreed between KATH and the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate.
According to the statement, the suspension stemmed from the public announcement on the cessation of admissions to the Accident and Emergency Unit, which the Ministry described as being inconsistent with the President's directive on access to emergency healthcare services. It said the directive was issued during the State of the Nation Address.
On the strike action, the Ministry described the industrial action as unfortunate and acknowledged the concerns raised by staff. It said dialogue and established dispute resolution processes remained the most appropriate means of addressing grievances.
The Ministry added that the suspension was not intended to punish efforts aimed at protecting patients but was meant to promote accountability, proper communication and adherence to national health policies and directives.
It said the Ghana Health Service had been directed to put in place immediate measures to maintain access to emergency healthcare services while discussions with the striking doctors and nurses continue.
The Ministry also appealed to the affected staff to reconsider their decision and return to work in the interest of patients and the wider public.
