The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has directed the Board of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) to suspend the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo, for two weeks following the announcement of a temporary halt to emergency admissions at the facility.
In a letter dated June 5, 2026, the Minister said the decision to suspend the CEO was based on findings that the announcement was made contrary to directives issued by President John Dramani Mahama concerning the management of the situation at the hospital.
The letter, issued under Section 36(1) of the Ghana Health Service and Teaching Hospitals Act, 1996 (Act 526), instructed the Board to immediately enforce the suspension while further investigations are conducted.
According to the Minister, a review by the Ministry’s Chief Director, Technical Advisor and Legal Advisor concluded that the CEO’s actions were inconsistent with instructions from the Presidency.
Mr. Akandoh also directed the Board to investigate comments made by the hospital’s Head of Public Affairs during an interview with Channel One News regarding the suspension of emergency admissions. The Minister questioned the authority under which the comments were made and whether management had approved the interview.
He further instructed the Board to determine if any disciplinary measures are necessary based on the outcome of the investigation.
The Board has been given two weeks to complete its inquiry and submit a report containing its findings and recommendations.
The directive follows public concern over the temporary suspension of emergency admissions at the Kumasi-based referral hospital, which has recently faced operational challenges affecting healthcare service delivery.
