The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has sharply criticized the dismissal of Dr. Adam Atiku, Chief Executive Officer of the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH), describing the move as an abuse of power and a violation of due process by the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh.
Dr. Atiku was relieved of his duties on Tuesday, April 22, following an unannounced visit to the hospital by Minister Akandoh. The visit was in response to the death of a patient, Bavug Salim, who allegedly passed away due to the unavailability of a functional ventilator at the facility.
A video that has since gone viral captured a heated exchange between the Minister and the Head of the Accident and Emergency Department, Dr. Valentine Akwulpwa, during the visit.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday, April 23, the GMA condemned both the dismissal of Dr. Atiku and the manner in which medical personnel at the Emergency Unit were treated during the visit. The association argued that the removal of the CEO bypassed standard administrative procedures and contravened the principles of natural justice.
“The GMA strongly condemns the unfortunate treatment of the doctors at the Emergency unit of the Hospital during the visit by the Minister of Health and the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tamale North and subsequent dismissal of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Hospital.
The manner in which the dismissal was carried out is an affront to due process and abuse of power by the Hon. Minister of Health. The GMA stands in solidarity with our colleagues in the wake of these injustices being perpetuated.”
The association also demanded an unqualified apology from Minister Akandoh and the Member of Parliament for Tamale North, Alhassan Suhuyini, for what it described as an “unwarranted attack” on the hospital staff.
“The Ghana Medical Association therefore demands an unqualified apology from the Minister of Health and the Member of Parliament for Tamale North for the unwarranted attack on the staff involved,” the statement added.
Calling for fairness and accountability, the GMA urged the hospital management to follow proper investigative procedures to determine the facts surrounding the patient’s death.
“The GMA calls on the hospital to ensure due process is followed to ascertain the true facts about the grievances of the affected family and find lasting solutions to the issues.”
The controversy has triggered nationwide debate over ministerial overreach, institutional autonomy, and the fragile state of Ghana’s public healthcare infrastructure.
Click here to read the statement by the GMA
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