The suspended Chief Executive Officer of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo, has appealed to doctors, nurses, and other health workers participating in industrial action to return to work immediately in the interest of patients and the nation. The appeal comes amid growing concerns over disruptions to healthcare services at one of Ghana’s largest referral hospitals following his suspension by the Ministry of Health.
In a letter addressed to staff on June 8, 2026, Dr. Baidoo expressed appreciation for the support shown by workers after his suspension and acknowledged the solidarity demonstrated by various professional groups within the hospital. However, he urged staff to prioritize patient care and allow the appropriate authorities to resolve the issues surrounding his suspension.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all staff of the hospital for your show of solidarity with me during this period. I am very grateful for your support,” Dr. Baidoo stated in the letter. He added: “I need you all to return back to duty in the supreme interest of Ghanaians and our valued patients, whilst I defer the outcome and directions to the supreme wisdom of the Hon. Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, and the Board of KATH.”
The appeal follows a decision by the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, to suspend Dr. Baidoo for two weeks. The suspension was linked to controversy surrounding an announcement regarding the temporary halt of emergency admissions at the hospital, a move that sparked public concern and attracted scrutiny from health authorities.
The suspension triggered a wave of protests among sections of the hospital’s workforce, with doctors and nurses reportedly refusing to attend to new patients in a demonstration of support for the suspended CEO. The industrial action significantly affected operations at the hospital, resulting in congestion, delays in medical care, and growing frustration among patients and their families. Hundreds of patients were reportedly left stranded at the Out Patient Department as healthcare services slowed.
Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital serves as the main referral facility for the Ashanti Region and much of northern Ghana, making any disruption to its operations a matter of national concern. The hospital handles thousands of patients each week and provides specialized medical services that are unavailable in many other parts of the country. Health experts have therefore warned that prolonged industrial action could place lives at risk and increase pressure on surrounding health facilities.
The Ministry of Health has defended the suspension, insisting that it was necessary to allow investigations into the circumstances surrounding the emergency unit controversy. Government officials have emphasized that the action was administrative rather than punitive and have appealed to health workers to separate the suspension from the delivery of essential healthcare services.
Meanwhile, regional authorities have sought to reassure the public that efforts are underway to resolve the impasse. Reports indicate that discussions are ongoing between hospital management, health sector unions, the Ministry of Health, and other stakeholders to restore normal operations as quickly as possible.
Dr. Baidoo also reaffirmed his commitment to the government and the healthcare system, stating that he remains dedicated to supporting the vision of President John Dramani Mahama and the broader goal of improving healthcare delivery across the country. His statement appears aimed at reducing tensions and encouraging a peaceful resolution to the dispute.
The latest appeal may place additional pressure on striking workers to reconsider their position, especially as public concern grows over the impact of the industrial action on patients. While many staff members have argued that their protest is intended to defend leadership integrity and protect the institution, patient advocacy groups have called for an immediate return to work to prevent further hardship for those seeking medical care.
With negotiations continuing and national attention fixed on the situation, the coming days are expected to be critical in determining whether healthcare services at KATH return to normal and whether the dispute surrounding the CEO’s suspension can be resolved without further disruption to patient care.
KATH nurses join strike as pressure mounts over CEO suspension