By Zobia Zulfqar 
Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has reiterated the government’s position that no individual has the authority to close any section of a public health facility without the express approval of the Minister of Health.
Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, Mr Akandoh emphasized that the government remains committed to ensuring that all public health facilities continue to provide emergency services, regardless of circumstances.
According to the Minister, President John Dramani Mahama has issued a clear directive that no public health institution should turn away emergency patients. He stressed that preserving lives must remain the highest priority within Ghana’s healthcare system.
“If necessary, patients should be treated on the floor rather than be turned away,” Mr Akandoh stated, reaffirming the government’s determination to guarantee access to emergency medical care.
The Minister made the remarks while responding to a question from Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin regarding the recent suspension of Dr Paa Kwesi Baidoo, the Chief Executive Officer of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH).
The controversy arose after KATH issued a statement on June 3, 2026, announcing the closure of its Accident and Emergency Unit to new patients. The decision sparked public concern and attracted the attention of the Health Ministry because it appeared to conflict with the President’s directive on emergency healthcare services.
Mr Akandoh explained that the Ministry viewed the decision as a direct contradiction of government policy, which requires all public health facilities to continue attending to emergency cases.
Following the announcement, the KATH CEO was summoned to the Ministry of Health to explain the circumstances surrounding the closure.
According to the Minister, Dr Baidoo acknowledged that the decision was inconsistent with the President’s directive and subsequently apologized.
To reinforce the government’s position and demonstrate the seriousness of the matter, the Ministry instructed the hospital’s governing board to request that the CEO step aside for two weeks while investigations into the incident were conducted.
Mr Akandoh said the temporary suspension was intended to send a clear message to managers of public health institutions that government directives concerning patient care must be strictly followed.
He further explained that the decision was grounded in existing legislation governing teaching hospitals in Ghana.
Citing Section 36 of the Teaching Hospitals Act, the Minister noted that directives issued by the Minister of Health take precedence over decisions made by hospital boards and management.
He stressed that public healthcare administrators are expected to operate within the framework of national health policies and that any actions that undermine those policies could attract sanctions.
The Minister also defended the use of disciplinary measures in such cases, arguing that accountability is necessary to ensure compliance across the healthcare sector.
According to him, punitive actions serve as a deterrent and help reinforce the importance of adhering to government directives, particularly those involving emergency healthcare delivery.
Mr Akandoh assured Parliament that the government remains focused on improving healthcare access and ensuring that public hospitals continue to provide essential services to citizens.
He emphasized that emergency healthcare remains a fundamental priority and that no patient should be denied treatment because of administrative decisions made without proper authorization.
The issue has generated significant public discussion, with many health sector observers highlighting the challenges facing hospitals while also acknowledging the importance of maintaining uninterrupted emergency services.
As investigations continue, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting patient welfare and ensuring that all public health facilities operate in line with national healthcare policies and regulations.
Source: GNA