Doctors at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) have begun a total withdrawal of services in protest against the suspension of the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer and the ongoing challenges facing the facility, especially overcrowding at the Emergency Department.
The industrial action started on Saturday, June 6, 2026, following a decision by members of the Komfo Anokye Doctors Association (KADA).
In a statement issued on June 5 and signed by KADA Chairman, Dr. Michael Leat, the doctors said they unanimously agreed to embark on the strike after assessing the current situation at the hospital and the circumstances surrounding the suspension of the CEO.
According to the association, the CEO’s decision to temporarily stop new emergency admissions and redirect some patients to nearby health facilities was necessary because the hospital’s Emergency Department had become severely overcrowded.
The doctors believe the measure was taken to protect both patients and healthcare workers from the risks associated with the congestion.
“KADA views the suspension as unjustified and counterproductive to ongoing efforts to address systemic challenges confronting the hospital,” the doctors said.
KADA is demanding an immediate review and reversal of the CEO’s suspension and says this is one of the key conditions for ending the strike.
The association is also calling on the KATH Board to develop clear policies for handling situations where emergency units become overwhelmed with patients. According to the doctors, there should be clear guidelines on when admissions can be restricted to protect patient safety during periods of extreme pressure.
In addition, the doctors have appealed to the Ministry of Health to provide clear timelines for the opening and full operation of Sewua Hospital and Afari Military Hospital.
They also want KATH and other hospitals in the Ashanti Region to be retooled and equipped with the resources needed to reduce the heavy pressure on KATH.
KADA noted that KATH remains the main referral hospital for the middle and northern parts of Ghana and continues to receive a large number of patients every day.
However, the hospital is struggling with limited infrastructure and resources despite the growing demand for healthcare services.
The doctors believe urgent action is needed to address these challenges and improve healthcare delivery in the Ashanti Region and beyond.
