The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has reiterated its dissatisfaction with the dismissal of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH), Dr Adam Atiku.
In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, the General Secretary, Dr Richard Serlomey, stated that while the GMA acknowledges the government’s exclusive authority to appoint and dismiss its appointees at any time, due process must be followed to uphold fairness and accountability.
Dr Serlomey also mentioned that the GMA has not yet received any official letter confirming the dismissal, despite widespread media reports.
“It is only fair that a successor knows the challenges and how to resolve them, but all we are being told is ‘negligence’. Regardless, it is not right and demoralises the people,” he stated.
He further emphasised that the frequent dismissal of CEOs from the Tamale Teaching Hospital over the years should serve as a wake-up call to the government on the need for systemic reforms.
“CEOs have been changed over the years, but certain challenges still persist. That should tell us that changing the people doesn’t solve anything. It is the system that needs reforms,” he added.
The GMA General Secretary reiterated their demand for an apology from the Health Minister and a possible reinstatement of Dr Atiku.
He indicated that the hospital’s management would soon convene to determine the next line of action, and that the GMA would support whatever decision is taken.
Dr Atiku’s dismissal follows a visit by the Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, to the hospital on Tuesday morning to familiarise himself with the facility and obtain first-hand information regarding the death of a patient on Sunday.
According to Mr Akandoh, during a visit to the emergency unit, a doctor attempted to explain the incident but made comments he considered insensitive. He expressed concern that the doctor did not appear to fully grasp the gravity of the situation, which he found disturbing.
The Minister also emphasised the importance of empathy in healthcare, especially when a death occurs under questionable circumstances, and expressed dissatisfaction with the hospital’s overall condition and resource management.
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