Suspended KATH CEO appeals to striking staff: 'Return to duty in supreme interest of patients'
The suspended Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Dr (Med) Paa Kwesi Baidoo, has appealed to striking staff members to return to duty, expressing gratitude for their solidarity while deferring the outcome of his suspension to the Health Minister and the hospital's board.
In a letter addressed to all staff members of KATH dated Monday, June 8, 2026, Dr Baidoo acknowledged the support he had received from staff during the period of his suspension but urged them to prioritise patient care over the industrial action.
"I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all staff of the hospital for your show of solidarity with me during this period. I am very grateful for your support," the letter read.
"However, I need you all to return back to duty in the supreme interest of Ghanaians and our valued patients, whilst I defer the outcome and directions to the supreme wisdom of the Hon. Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh (MP), and the Board of KATH."
Background to the crisis
The Health Minister, in a letter dated June 5, 2026, directed the Board of KATH to suspend Dr Baidoo for two weeks following the CEO's decision to temporarily suspend the admission of emergency cases at the hospital on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, due to severe congestion at the Accident and Emergency Centre.
The decision by management was intended to decongest the overcrowded emergency unit, which had been struggling with increasing referrals from across the middle and northern sectors of Ghana. KATH serves as the principal tertiary referral centre for more than eight regions.
Following the suspension, the Komfo Anokye branch of the Ghana Medical Association announced an indefinite withdrawal of services, demanding the immediate reversal of the suspension and clear policies governing the management of situations where emergency capacity is exceeded.
The Ghana Medical Association, at a national level, called for the immediate reinstatement of the CEO and warned of further remedial action if the Minister continued what it described as "hostile and confrontational actions" against health workers.
CEO's stance
Dr Baidoo, in his letter, reaffirmed his commitment to the cause of President John Dramani Mahama while urging calm and a return to normalcy at the hospital.
"I remain committed to the cause of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Ghana," he stated.
The letter did not indicate whether Dr Baidoo had withdrawn his earlier decision on emergency admissions or whether any discussions had taken place with the Health Minister or the board regarding his suspension.
The appeal from the suspended CEO places the onus on striking doctors and other health workers to reconsider their position. However, the Ghana Medical Association has maintained that the suspension was unjustified and has demanded the minister withdraw the directive within three working days.
Impasse continues
As of Monday, June 8, 2026, the industrial action at KATH remained ongoing. The hospital, one of Ghana's largest teaching hospitals, has been operating with reduced medical staff, affecting patient care and emergency services.
The KATH Board has been engaged in discussions with the leadership of the Komfo Anokye Doctors Association towards resolving the impasse, but no agreement has been announced.
