GMA condemns dismissal of TTH CEO, demands apology from Akandoh

The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has criticized the dismissal of Dr. Adam Atiku. He was the Chief Executive Officer of the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH). The GMA called this move an abuse of power and a violation of due process.

Dr. Atiku was dismissed on Tuesday, April 22. This followed an unannounced visit by Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh. The visit was prompted by the death of a patient named Bavug Salim. Reports suggest he died due to a lack of functional ventilators at the hospital.

A viral video showed a heated exchange between Minister Akandoh and Dr. Valentine Akwulpwa, head of the Accident and Emergency Department. On Wednesday, April 23, the GMA issued a strong statement condemning Dr. Atiku's dismissal.

They also criticized how medical staff were treated during the minister's visit. The GMA argued that removing Dr. Atiku ignored standard procedures and natural justice principles.

“The GMA strongly condemns the treatment of doctors at the Emergency unit,” they stated. They described Dr. Atiku’s dismissal as an affront to due process and an abuse of power.

The association expressed solidarity with their colleagues amid these injustices. They demanded an unqualified apology from Minister Akandoh and MP Alhassan Suhuyini for attacking hospital staff.

The GMA urged fairness and accountability in handling this situation. They called on hospital management to investigate the circumstances surrounding the patient's death properly.

“The GMA calls on the hospital to ensure due process is followed,” they added. This controversy has sparked nationwide debate about ministerial overreach and public healthcare issues in Ghana.