Akandoh to TTH Doctors: ‘I Have No Intention to Disrespect Anyone, Let’s End the Strike’
Minister Akandoh expresses regret over recent tensions and urges Tamale Teaching Hospital doctors to resume services for the sake of patient care
- Minister Akandoh apologizes for any perceived disrespect during his visit to TTH and calls for unity
- Doctors at TTH continue strike over equipment shortages and the health minister's actions
- Akandoh urges collaboration with medical staff
Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has sought to defuse rising tensions following his unannounced visit to the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH), expressing regret if any disrespect was perceived and calling for an end to the ongoing strike.
The April 22 visit came in the wake of the death of a patient, Bavug Salim, who allegedly passed away due to the lack of a functioning ventilator in the hospital’s emergency unit.
This incident sparked a viral video showing a heated exchange between Akandoh and Dr. Valentine Akwulpwa, Head of the Accident and Emergency Department, leading to public outcry and backlash.
In response, the Doctors Association of Tamale Teaching Hospital (DATTH) suspended emergency and outpatient services indefinitely, citing “unwarranted attacks” from the Health Minister and other officials.
They have demanded formal apologies and the immediate provision of critical medical equipment before resuming normal operations.
During a press briefing in Accra on Thursday, April 24, the Minister reiterated his respect for medical professionals, sharing a personal experience of being rushed to a hospital after an accident. “It can happen to anybody. When I had an accident, the first place I was rushed to was Nyinahini District Hospital. I never imagined that I would one day be at Nyinahini, but I was there,” he said.
Akandoh emphasized that his actions were never intended to disrespect healthcare workers, stating, “I have absolutely no intention to disrespect any medical doctor or health worker; that will be the last thing I would do. But let it be said that respect is reciprocal.”
He also expressed a willingness to collaborate with the medical community, stating, “I’m prepared to work with everybody in the sector.”
The Minister’s appeal to doctors at TTH was clear: “I am the first person to take care of your interests. Let us call off the strike and work together to find a way forward.”
Despite his clarification, the fallout continues, with the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) criticizing Akandoh’s dismissal of TTH Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Adam Atiku, as a violation of due process.
The GMA has called for an apology, adding to the ongoing controversy.
