Health Minister Orders Immediate Suspension of KATH CEO

The directive follows the announcement made by the hospital on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, regarding the temporary suspension of emergency admissions at the facility. In a letter dated June 5, 2026, the Minister stated that the decision to suspend the CEO was based on findings that the announcement was made contrary to directives issued by President John Dramani Mahama concerning the management of the situation at the hospital. According to the letter, a meeting involving the Ministry of Health’s Chief Director, Technical Advisor, and Legal Advisor reviewed the matter and concluded that Dr. Baidoo’s actions were inconsistent with the President’s instructions. Citing Section 36(1) of the Ghana Health Service and Teaching Hospitals Act, 1996 (Act 526), the Minister directed the Board to enforce the suspension with immediate effect. Mr. Akandoh also instructed the Board to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the announcement and the role played by the hospital’s Head of Public Affairs. The Minister expressed concern over comments made by the Public Affairs Officer during an interview with Channel One News, indicating that the remarks may also have contradicted presidential directives. He has therefore requested the Board to determine the authority under which the official granted the interview and whether the comments reflected a management decision. The Board has been advised to apply appropriate sanctions should any misconduct be established. The Board has been given a two-week deadline to complete its investigations and submit a report outlining its findings and recommendations. The development comes amid growing public concern over the temporary suspension of emergency admissions at the Kumasi-based referral hospital, which has been facing operational challenges affecting healthcare delivery.