No one can close health facility without approval — Akandoh defends suspension of KATH CEO

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Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has justified the suspension of the Chief Executive Officer of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Dr Paa Kwesi Baidoo, saying the decision was warranted after the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit was allegedly shut down without official approval.

Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, Mr Akandoh explained that the action followed findings that the emergency unit had been closed without the consent of the Ministry of Health, in violation of established government policy on emergency medical care.

He noted that the closure went against a directive from President John Dramani Mahama, which instructs all health facilities to provide immediate care to emergency patients and not turn anyone away in critical condition.

The Minister stressed that the executive arm of government has the mandate to sanction heads of public institutions when they breach official directives.

He also told lawmakers that such disciplinary measures do not require prior parliamentary approval.

Mr Akandoh reiterated that President Mahama had made it clear that saving lives must take priority in all health facilities, even in situations where emergency care must begin immediately on the ground.

He emphasised that no individual or authority is permitted to close any section of a health facility without explicit authorisation from the Health Minister, adding that such actions undermine national healthcare policy and directives.