GMA accuses Health Minister of overstepping role in Tamale hospital CEO’s removal
The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has accused the Minister of Health of acting beyond his remit in the dismissal of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Tamale Teaching Hospital.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, April 22, 2025, jointly signed by the President of the GMA, Dr Frank Serebour and the General Secretary, Dr Richard Selormey, the association expressed concern about what it described as an “ill-informed media audit” into the death of a patient at the hospital.
The GMA warned that the audit breached patient confidentiality and could expose the facility to legal risks.
“The matter has already been tried in the court of public opinion, without any proper investigation,” the statement noted.
It also revealed that the head of the Emergency Unit had received threats and was facing cyberbullying, creating fears for the safety and mental well-being of staff.
The statement added that these actions, if allowed to continue, could discourage health workers and erode public trust in the healthcare system.
While acknowledging the grief of the patient’s family and the concerns raised by the Minister and the MP, the GMA insisted that there are proper channels for addressing such issues.
It argued that the recent approach only served to heighten tensions and distract from the search for solutions.
The Association is demanding an unreserved apology from the Minister of Health and the Tamale North MP for what it described as an unwarranted attack on medical staff.
It also urged the management of the hospital to prioritise the safety of workers and make room for psychological support where needed.
“The way forward is not to blame individual doctors for broader challenges,” Dr Serebour said. “Health professionals are working under very difficult conditions, and in many cases, they are using their own resources to care for patients.”
The GMA said it would continue to observe developments at the Tamale Teaching Hospital and other facilities, and would advise its members in due course.
Read the full statement below:
