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Former Member of Parliament for Asante Akim-North, Andy Appiah-Kubi, has called for the reinstatement of Dr. Adam Atiku, the dismissed Chief Executive Officer of the Tamale Teaching Hospital.
Dr. Atiku’s removal came after Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh made a surprise visit to the hospital on April 22, following the death of a patient, Bavug Salim, reportedly due to the absence of a functioning ventilator in the emergency unit.
A viral video showing a heated confrontation between the Health Minister and Dr. Valentine Akwulpwa, the Head of the Accident and Emergency Department, fueled public outrage and debate over the incident.
In protest, the Doctors Association of Tamale Teaching Hospital (DATTH) suspended emergency and outpatient services indefinitely. However, after mediation by a delegation sent by the Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II, emergency services resumed on Friday, April 25.
Speaking during an interview with Selorm Adonoo on Channel One TV’s The Big Issue on Saturday, April 26, Appiah-Kubi criticised the minister’s public handling of the situation, suggesting it should have been managed with greater discretion.
“I think that the Health Minister could have done better by calling a meeting outside the full glare of the public. We also have to accept that he’s a very youthful minister trying to learn his job on the run,” he stated.
Appiah-Kubi acknowledged the Minister’s concern about the situation but emphasised the importance of maintaining professionalism.
“I think that his response to the situation is commendable. I’m sure that going forward, he will also pick up some lessons from it. And begin to be more professional in his approach to some of these things. I think he got so sentimental, probably because of the death of the patient,” he explained.
He also questioned the decision to remove Dr. Atiku, calling it hasty and poorly handled.
“If he went there to cause the dismissal of the doctor [CEO], then it was premature and premeditated. He should have been a bit more decorous in handling this matter. It was in bad taste,” Appiah-Kubi added.
He further called on the Ghana Medical Association and the Health Minister to engage in dialogue to resolve the situation peacefully.
“I think the Ghana Medical Association and the minister must sit down and find a truce. I don’t think it’s necessary just to fire the doctor [CEO], in the media like that, it was also improper.
“I think we must let sleeping dogs lie and let the doctor [CEO] come back to his post and continue his work,” he concluded.
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