GRNMA pushes back on KATH sanction, says hospital decisions extend beyond CEO
The Ashanti Regional branch of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has defended the conduct of management and staff at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) during the recent bed shortage crisis, insisting that no healthcare worker should face punishment for implementing internationally recognised emergency procedures.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the GRNMA, Jones Afriyie-Anto, explained that the association decided to suspend its industrial action after receiving interventions and assurances from key figures, including the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and KATH’s governing board.
The controversy followed the suspension of KATH Chief Executive Officer Paa Kwesi Baidoo amid public criticism over how the hospital managed severe overcrowding and the persistent “No Bed Syndrome” affecting the facility.
The suspension triggered backlash from health professionals and worker unions, many of whom argued that the action unfairly targeted the CEO while ignoring the broader structural problems confronting the hospital.
Mr Afriyie-Anto stated that the association’s decision to halt the strike was influenced largely by the stature of those who intervened in the matter.
He explained that the involvement of the Asantehene and the hospital board carried significant weight, making it necessary for the association to heed their appeal.
According to him, further assurances from the Ashanti Regional Minister and the Regional Coordinating Council also contributed to the decision to temporarily suspend the industrial action.
He expressed optimism that the concerns raised by the association would eventually be addressed.
Mr Afriyie-Anto also strongly defended KATH’s declaration of a “critical incident” during the period of excessive patient congestion, describing the move as standard global emergency practice.
He explained that emergency units are expected to activate such protocols whenever patient numbers exceed the available resources and capacity of the facility.
According to him, the hospital’s response was entirely appropriate under the circumstances and aligned with internationally accepted procedures for nurses, midwives, and emergency healthcare teams.
He therefore maintained that no official should be sanctioned for taking those measures.
The GRNMA chairman further rejected suggestions that the hospital’s CEO should bear sole responsibility for decisions made during the crisis.
He clarified that while the chief executive serves as the public representative of the hospital, many operational and clinical decisions are typically made by medical professionals and specialists rather than the CEO personally.
To support his argument, he noted that some hospital chief executives may not even come from clinical backgrounds, making it unreasonable to hold them directly accountable for every professional decision taken within the facility.
Mr Afriyie-Anto said this understanding formed the basis of the association’s opposition to the disciplinary action against Dr Baidoo and informed its decision to suspend the strike while awaiting further discussions with authorities.
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