PRESS RELEASE
The Health Minister Must Address Logistical Challenges Confronting Ghana’s Health Systems Instead of Dismissing CEOs – William Boadi, EAI
We have observed with deep concern the recent incident involving the Health Minister, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH). The decision to summarily dismiss the CEO following a confrontation does not represent the kind of leadership or systemic reform our healthcare sector urgently requires.
While we acknowledge that there are gaps in professional conduct among certain health workers, the root challenges in Ghana’s healthcare system stem from poor logistics, inadequate funding, lack of essential equipment, and systemic mismanagement. These issues cannot and will not be resolved by the frequent dismissal of hospital CEOs or frontline professionals. Such actions only destabilize institutions and demoralize committed health personnel.
The recent developments at Tamale Teaching Hospital are not isolated. Across the country, hospitals continue to face dire logistical and structural problems. Instead of apportioning blame, we urge the minister to provide visionary leadership by tackling these systemic issues head-on. He must work collaboratively with stakeholders to address the critical shortages, improve infrastructure, and invest in the professional development of health workers.
Furthermore, it is unacceptable that while our healthcare institutions struggle, political leaders continue to seek medical attention abroad. As we speak, Ghana’s Vice President is receiving treatment outside the country a clear indictment of the state of our health system. If leaders lack confidence in the services they oversee, how can ordinary Ghanaians trust the system?
We demand that the Minister of Health shift focus from punitive measures to pragmatic and sustainable reforms. Leadership must be about effectiveness and impact, not intimidation and political showmanship. We call for an immediate review of the decision regarding the Tamale Teaching Hospital CEO and a national dialogue on how to fix our healthcare system for the benefit of all.
Ghana deserves a health sector that is functional, fair, and future-ready. Let us build it together.
Signed:
William Boadi
Executive Director, Educate Africa Institute (EAI)
Educationist, Political Analyst, and Social Worker
0541935106
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