There is a growing call for the restructuring of the board and management of the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) to meet current demands and ensure that quality healthcare delivery becomes a top priority in protecting lives. This follows concerns over alleged negligence leading to the loss of lives at the facility.
The hospital’s failure to provide basic necessities—despite its capacity to generate internal revenue—has raised serious concerns. Stakeholders are calling for urgent reforms to address these lapses and ensure that patient care is placed at the center of all hospital operations.
The Member of Parliament for Garu and a member of the Parliamentary Health Committee, Hon. Thomas Winsum Anaba, voiced these concerns on Adekyee Mu Nsem, a morning show on Ahotor FM 92.3, hosted by Alexander Nana Dogbey in Accra.
According to Hon. Anaba, the hospital’s leadership has become complacent and is underperforming in utilizing internally generated funds (IGFs) to enhance services. He contrasted TTH with other teaching hospitals in Kumasi and Koforidua, where similar resources are being effectively used to raise standards without relying entirely on government support.
In a related development, the Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has appealed to striking medical doctors and health professionals at TTH to return to work and resume negotiations for the sake of patients and the health system.
The Minister made this appeal shortly after relieving the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Atik Adam, of his duties over allegations of mismanagement and medical negligence tied to a recent patient death. The dismissal followed an unannounced visit by the Minister to the hospital on Wednesday, April 23, to assess the situation firsthand.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, April 24, Hon. Akandoh acknowledged the concerns raised by staff but reaffirmed his commitment to their welfare and to finding long-term solutions.
“My humble appeal to the wonderful medical doctors and health professionals at Tamale Teaching Hospital is that I am the first person to take care of your interest. Therefore, let’s call off the strike and regroup to strategize going forward,” he urged.
The Minister also emphasized the need for a more efficient and sustainable approach to managing health sector resources—particularly in procurement and maintenance of equipment. He stressed that while the government continues to invest in infrastructure and supplies, hospitals must take more responsibility through better use of IGFs.
“We cannot always depend on government donations for equipment. When these become obsolete, we should not run back to government for replacements. There are things we can easily manage through our internal funds,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has criticized the Minister’s recent actions at TTH and has demanded a public apology, accusing him of overstepping his bounds during the unannounced visit.
Story by: Alexander Kukah @kukahalexander7@gmail.com
