Ghana’s Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has broken his silence on the controversy surrounding his visit to the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH), stressing that he meant no disrespect to medical professionals but also reminding them that respect must be mutual.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Thursday, April 24, the minister addressed the fallout from the April 22 visit, which sparked outrage among health workers and led to a strike by the hospital’s doctors.
His interaction with Dr Valentine Akwulpwa, Head of the Accident and Emergency Department, during the visit was widely circulated on social media, drawing public scrutiny.
“I have absolutely no intention to disrespect any medical doctor or health worker; that will be the last thing I will do,” the minister stated. “But let it be said that respect is reciprocal.”
His comment comes amid growing tensions between the Health Ministry and the Doctors Association of Tamale Teaching Hospital (DATTH), which announced an indefinite suspension of emergency and outpatient services.
The association accused the minister and Tamale North MP Alhassan Suhuyini of making unwarranted attacks on hospital staff during the visit, which followed the death of a patient reportedly due to lack of a ventilator.
The minister defended his actions and clarified that his visit was motivated by concern, not confrontation. Sharing a personal experience, he said, “When I had an accident, the first place I was rushed to was Nyinahini District Hospital. I never imagined that I would one day be at Nyinahini District Hospital, but I was there.”
This, he said, shaped his understanding of the need to support the health sector and ensure that facilities are adequately resourced to prevent tragic outcomes like the one at TTH.
Despite the backlash, Akandoh extended an olive branch to the striking doctors. “I’m prepared to work with everybody in the sector,” he said, appealing for a return to dialogue. “Let us call off the strike, and let us all regroup and strategise the way forward.”
He also acknowledged the logistical challenges faced by the hospital and urged the leadership to explore internally generated funds for some of the immediate needs, adding, “There are some of the things we can do with our internally generated funds, so please, let us confront the issues as they are.”
But the situation remains delicate. The minister’s dismissal of TTH Chief Executive Officer, Dr Adam Atiku, has drawn criticism from the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), which has accused the minister of violating due process and abusing his authority. The GMA is also demanding an apology and a reversal of the decision.
While inpatient services continue at the hospital, emergency and outpatient departments remain closed. The DATTH has insisted that they will not return to work until their demands — including an unconditional apology and immediate resource interventions — are met.
For now, Akandoh’s firm assertion that “respect is reciprocal” has become a focal point in a dispute that continues to test the fragile relationship between policymakers and frontline health professionals.
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