President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Dr. Abubakar Bawah Abdulai, a senior official from the University for Development Studies (UDS), as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH).
The appointment comes after the dismissal of Dr. Adam Atiku, who was removed from office on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.
Dr. Atiku’s dismissal followed an unannounced visit to the hospital by Health Minister Kwabena Mint ah Akandoh, prompted by the death of a patient, Bavug Salim. The patient reportedly died due to the lack of a functional ventilator in the hospital’s emergency department.
The situation drew national attention after a video of a tense verbal confrontation between the Health Minister and Dr. Valentine Akwulpwa, Head of the Accident and Emergency Unit, went viral on social media.
The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has strongly criticized the dismissal, citing violations of due process and describing the move as an abuse of authority. In a statement issued on April 23, the GMA called for an unqualified apology from both the Minister of Health and the Member of Parliament for Tamale North, Alhassan Suhuyini, over their conduct during the minister’s visit.
Dr. Abubakar Bawah Abdulai’s appointment represents a major leadership shift at the Tamale Teaching Hospital during a period of heightened tensions between healthcare professionals and government authorities. His leadership is anticipated to bring stability and renewed focus to the hospital’s operations.
Further updates on the situation are expected as more details emerge.
