Dagbon Overlord intervenes in TTH doctors’ strike

The Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Abukari II, has sent a delegation to the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH). This is an effort to mediate the doctors' ongoing strike.

The delegation is led by Zangbalun Naa Dr. Yakubu II. They met with TTH management and representatives from the Doctors Association of Tamale Teaching Hospital (DATTH).

In a message, Yaa Naa praised the doctors for their dedication. He urged them to resume emergency and specialist services to save lives. He also offered to help facilitate dialogue between the Ministry of Health and the doctors.

"As a neutral facilitator, I will convey your concerns to the minister," he said. "We urge you to ensure continuity of emergency service." He expressed willingness to arrange a meeting with the minister and doctors.

Dr. Salifu Alhassan Tiah spoke on behalf of TTH's Acting CEO on April 25. He expressed hope that Yaa Naa’s intervention would lead to positive outcomes. "We should respect this delegation and heed their words," he appealed.

The doctors’ strike has now entered its second day. It has severely impacted service delivery at TTH, leaving many patients stranded.

On April 24, doctors suspended emergency and outpatient services indefinitely. They cited “unwarranted attacks” from Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh and MP Alhassan Suhuyini as reasons for their decision.

This decision was made during an emergency meeting on April 23. It followed a statement condemning an incident during the minister’s visit on April 22.