The Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has directed the Board of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) to suspend the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo for two weeks with immediate effect over the announcement of a suspension of admissions for new emergency cases.
In a directive issued pursuant to Section 36(1) of the Ghana Health Service and Teaching Hospitals Act, 1996 (Act 526), the Minister stated that the CEO’s action in publicly announcing the suspension of emergency admissions on June 3, 2026, was contrary to explicit directives issued by President John Dramani Mahama.
According to the Minister, the CEO admitted during a meeting held on June 4, 2026, that he had “acted contrary to the clear directives of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Ghana” by making such an announcement.
The meeting was attended by the Chief Director, the Technical Advisor and the Legal Advisor to the Minister.
The Minister indicated that the CEO would be required to report to him upon the expiration of the two-week suspension period.
In addition to the suspension, the Minister has requested the hospital’s Board to investigate comments made by the Head of the Public Affairs Unit of KATH during an interview with Channel One Newsroom regarding the suspension of emergency admissions.
According to the directive, the Public Affairs Officer’s comments were also inconsistent with the President’s directives on the matter.
The Board has been tasked with determining the authority under which the Head of the Public Affairs Unit granted the interview and whether the appearance on the programme had the approval of hospital management.
The Minister further instructed that appropriate sanctions be imposed if any wrongdoing is established following the investigation.
The Board has been directed to submit a comprehensive report on its findings within two weeks.
The development follows public concern over the hospital’s recent announcement that it has suspended emergency admissions due to overwhelming cases.
The announcement drew public concern which caused the hospital to rescind its decision.
The Health Minister’s decision underscores the government’s insistence on strict adherence to presidential directives and established communication protocols within public health institutions.
