By: Hamza Lansah Lolly/Baba Mohammed Issahak
Doctors at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) have embarked on an indefinite strike, suspending all emergency and outpatient services effective immediately. The decision was announced in a press release following an emergency general assembly meeting held by the Doctors Association of Tamale Teaching Hospital (DATTH) on Wednesday 23 April 2025.
In their press release, the association stated that the strike was in response to ongoing safety concerns, inadequate working conditions, and what they described as “disrespectful” conduct by key political figures during a recent visit to the facility.
The doctors are demanding an “unqualified apology” from the Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, and the Member of Parliament for Tamale North, Hon. Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini. According to DATTH, both officials directed inappropriate comments at staff, particularly targeting Dr. Valentine Akwulpwa and personnel at the Accident and Emergency Department.
The statement noted that inpatient care will continue for those currently admitted; the suspension affects all outpatient departments, including General OPD, Antenatal Clinic, Specialist Clinics, and the Paediatrics OPD.
The doctors also presented a detailed list of urgent logistical and equipment needs, including a stable water and electricity supply, consistent provision of medical consumables, and availability of ventilators and diagnostic equipment. In the medium term, they are calling for the provision of advanced imaging equipment such as an MRI machine, CT scan, and mobile x-ray units.
DATTH emphasized their readiness to resume services once their demands, especially the public apologies and critical resource needs, are met. They also warned that doctors will withdraw from any environment they deem hostile or threatening.
Additionally, the association called on media houses that published what they termed as “false and biased reportage” during the minister’s visit on April 22 to issue formal apologies. Until then, DATTH stated it would not engage those media platforms.
