"Let us call off strike, regroup and strategise way forward" – Health Minister appeals to TTH Doctors

Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has called on striking medical professionals at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) to resume duties and work together to resolve challenges affecting healthcare delivery at the facility.

Addressing the media in Accra on Thursday, April 24, Mr. Akandoh stressed his commitment to collaboration and expressed deep respect for health workers, urging them to reconsider their decision to suspend emergency and outpatient services in protest of his recent unannounced visit.

“My humble appeal to the medical doctors and health practitioners at Tamale Teaching Hospital is that I am the first person to take care of your interests. Therefore, let us call off the strike and let us all regroup and strategise the way forward,” the minister said.

The minister’s comments come in the wake of a viral video showing a heated confrontation between him and Dr. Valentine Akwulpwa, Head of the Emergency Department at TTH, during a visit prompted by the reported death of a patient due to the lack of a functional ventilator.

In response to the altercation and what it described as “unwarranted attacks,” the Doctors Association of Tamale Teaching Hospital (DATTH) declared an indefinite suspension of services, demanding an apology and the immediate provision of critical medical equipment.

While acknowledging the emotional toll of the incident, Mr. Akandoh recounted a personal health emergency to illustrate his empathy for patients and healthcare workers alike.

He reiterated that his actions were not intended to offend, stating,

“I have absolutely no intention to disrespect any medical doctor or health worker; that will be the last thing I will do. But let it be said that respect is reciprocal.”

However, tensions have been further inflamed by the minister’s decision to dismiss TTH Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Adam Atiku— a move the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has condemned as a breach of due process and an abuse of power.

The GMA has also called for an official apology from the minister.

Despite the controversy, Mr. Akandoh remains hopeful for reconciliation and emphasized the need for internal resource mobilization, saying, “There are some of the things we can do with our internally generated funds, so please, let us confront the issues as they are.”

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith