Health Minister’s suspension of KATH CEO technically right — Prof Beyuo

Professor Titus Kofi Beyuo, a member of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health, has defended the suspension of the Chief Executive Officer of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), describing the decision by the Health Minister as technically justified.

The dispute follows the suspension of KATH CEO Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo after the hospital halted admissions at its Accident and Emergency Centre due to overcrowding.

The decision has triggered industrial action by doctors and nurses at the facility, who are demanding the reinstatement of the CEO.

The strike has entered its third day as of Tuesday, June 9, leaving several patients stranded.

Speaking on Accra-based TV3’s New Day programme, Prof Beyuo argued that the Minister acted in line with a presidential directive requiring hospitals to prioritise emergency care under all circumstances.

According to him, President Mahama had directed healthcare facilities to ensure that no patient is turned away without at least initial assessment and triage.

"Patients facing emergencies must be received and given help even under makeshift conditions," he quoted from the President’s directive, adding that institutions are expected to comply with that instruction.

He explained that while clinicians may have been right about overcrowding challenges, the manner in which the situation was handled created governance concerns.

"The Minister’s duty is to ensure that this kind of directive is carried out. When you close your doors, it means you don’t even have an opportunity to see anyone," he said.

Prof Beyuo further argued that the hospital’s decision could have been better communicated through proper administrative channels, including informing the ministry and referral facilities in advance.

He noted that emergency care systems rely heavily on coordination between hospitals, and any disruption can have serious consequences for patients arriving in critical condition.

The legislator also suggested that while the suspension of the CEO was not intended to solve the emergency care challenges, it was necessary in the context of enforcing compliance and accountability within the health system.