By: Hamza Lansah Lolly/Baba Mohammed Issahak
The Minority Caucus in Parliament has strongly condemned the dismissal of the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) CEO Dr. Adam Atiku by the President, John Dramani Mahama.
Dr. Atiku was handed his dismissal letter yesterday 22nd April 2024 following an alleged negligence by hospital staffs that led to the death of a patient.
But the Minority questioned the procedure and legal basis for the President decision.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Minority Health Caucus indicated that the removal of Dr. Atiku did not follow due process as outlined in the Ghana Health Service and Teaching Hospitals (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 1009).
The Minority Caucus argued that the law requires the involvement of the hospital’s governing board and consultation with the Council of State for such decisions.
The Health Minister, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akando, who recently visited the facility, stated that the dismissal of the CEO was not solely related to a recent patient death at the hospital. The minister is reported to have remarked that the appointing authority is not obliged to provide explanations for such decisions, a position the Minority caucus believes raises constitutional and governance concerns.
According to the Minority’s statement, sections of both Act 1009 and its parent legislation, Act 525, were bypassed.
They also referred to provisions requiring disciplinary matters at teaching hospitals to be addressed through formal committees, which they believe was not observed in this instance.
In addition, the Minority Caucus expressed concern over the conduct of the Minister of Health unannounced visit to the hospital. During the inspection, the Minister was involved in a public exchange with medical personnel, including neurologist Dr. Valentine Akwulpwa, over the facility’s conditions and the circumstances surrounding the recent death.
Dr Akwulpwa, regarded as a key specialist in the region, was questioned in front of the media and hospital staff. The Minority called for a more professional and private handling of such matters, particularly where they involve clinical accountability and patient mortality.
The Minority Caucus also stated that Dr. Atiku was not offered a hearing or formal notification of any wrongdoing before his dismissal, referencing legal precedents which require fair administrative procedures in public service decisions.
In their statement, the Minority Caucus in parliament called for the reversal of Dr. Atiku’s dismissal and an apology to the affected hospital staff. They also urged professional bodies in the health sector to advocate for adherence to due process.
The statement was signed by a Ranking Member of the Parliamentary Health Committee, Hon. Dr Nana Ayew Afriyie, and supported by four other Minority Members of Parliament, including the minority leader, Hon Alexander Kwabena Afenyo Markin.
