KATH CEO suspended for two weeks following Emergency admissions controversy

The directive was issued in a letter dated June 5, 2026, in which the Minister stated that the CEO’s decision to publicly announce the suspension of emergency cases at the facility was inconsistent with directives previously issued by President John Dramani Mahama.

According to the letter, the CEO’s actions prompted the Ministry to invoke Section 36(1) of the Ghana Health Service and Teaching Hospitals Act, 1996 (Act 526), leading to the disciplinary action.

“Pursuant to Section 36 (1) of the Ghana Health Service and Teaching Hospitals Act, 1996 (Act 526), I am respectfully directing the Board to suspend the Chief Executive Officer for a period of two (2) weeks with immediate effect, for causing to be announced the suspension of admissions of emergency cases to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital on Wednesday, June 3, 2026,” the Minister stated.

Mr Akandoh disclosed that a meeting involving the Ministry’s Chief Director, Technical Advisor and Legal Advisor reviewed the matter and concluded that the CEO’s actions were contrary to the President’s instructions.

Beyond the suspension, the Minister has tasked the Board with conducting a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances that led to the announcement and the subsequent media engagement by the Head of the hospital’s Public Affairs Unit.

The investigation is expected to determine the authority under which the Public Affairs officer granted an interview to Channel One News and publicly commented on the suspension of emergency admissions.

“I am also respectfully requesting you to undertake a thorough investigation to establish on what authority he made those comments on Channel One Newsroom. Further whether it was a management decision for him to grant the said interview. Where necessary, the appropriate sanctions should be applied,” the Minister directed.

The Board has been instructed to submit its findings and recommendations within two weeks.

The latest development follows widespread public concern after KATH, one of Ghana’s leading referral hospitals, announced a temporary suspension of emergency admissions due to operational challenges affecting healthcare delivery at the facility.