Minority condemns dismissal of Tamale Hospital CEO
The Minority Caucus on Parliament’s Health Committee has strongly condemned the removal of Dr. Adam Atiku as CEO of the Tamale Teaching Hospital, calling it unlawful and procedurally flawed.
They argue that the dismissal, confirmed by the Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, violated due process and breached constitutional and administrative protocols.
Citing the Ghana Health Service and Teaching Hospitals (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 1009), the Minority stressed that Dr. Atiku, as CEO, also serves as a board member and can only be removed by the President in consultation with the Council of State, as required under Act 525.
They further noted that any disciplinary issues must first be addressed by the hospital’s Disciplinary Committee.
The Minority also condemned the Minister’s unannounced visit to the hospital, during which he reportedly clashed publicly with staff over poor infrastructure and non-functional equipment.
This was after a patient’s death was allegedly linked to the lack of a working ventilator.
They described the Minister’s conduct carried out in front of the media and public as “disrespectful, unprofessional, and damaging to the dignity of the medical profession”.
READ ALSO: Akandoh clashes with Tamale Teaching Hospital staff over faulty equipment
The dismissal of Dr Atiku has also been described by the Minority as a violation of the principles of natural justice.
“No hearing was granted, nor was any allegation of misconduct formally presented to him prior to his removal,” they argued, citing the law.
They have also demanded a formal apology from the Minister for Health to Dr. Atiku and the staff of the Tamale Teaching Hospital, condemning the manner in which his unannounced inspection and subsequent confrontations were handled.
In a broader call to action, the Minority is urging professional health bodies, including the Ghana Medical Association, Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association, Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana, and the Health Services Workers Union, to stand up in defence of due process and the credibility of public health institutions.
Reaffirming their commitment to the rule of law, the Minority Caucus has pledged to use every legal and parliamentary channel available to ensure the matter is thoroughly investigated and justice is served.