The Minority Caucus in Parliament has issued a scathing statement condemning the summary dismissal of the Chief Executive Officer of the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH), Dr. Adam Atiku, by the Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, describing the move as unconstitutional, rash, and deeply disrespectful to the medical profession.
In a statement signed by leading members of the Minority Health Caucus on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, the MPs declared the Minister’s action null and void, insisting that the removal violated key provisions of the Ghana Health Service and Teaching Hospitals Act.
“The Minister acted outside the law and disregarded the principles of natural justice,” the statement read. Citing Section 34(7) of Act 525, the Minority stressed that only the President, in consultation with the Council of State, has the authority to remove the CEO of a teaching hospital.
The Minority accused the Health Minister of acting with emotional impulse after a surprise visit to the hospital, where he clashed with staff over faulty equipment and the recent death of a patient. They described the Minister’s conduct during the visit as “unprofessional, demeaning, and a breach of the dignity of healthcare professionals.”
In particular, they condemned the public confrontation with Dr. Valentine Akwulpwa, a neurologist serving the entire Northern Region, as a “collective affront to the medical fraternity.”
The Minority further accused the Minister of bypassing legally mandated disciplinary procedures and failing to grant Dr. Atiku the right to a fair hearing before his removal.
“This populist grandstanding must not replace lawful governance,” the statement warned, adding that the decision undermines healthcare morale and threatens professional independence.
The caucus is demanding:
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Immediate reversal of Dr. Atiku’s dismissal
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A public apology to Dr. Akwulpwa and TTH staff
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Intervention by medical professional bodies and civil society to defend due process
“We shall explore all legal and parliamentary avenues to ensure this matter is not swept under the carpet,” the statement concluded.
The Minority reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting public institutions from arbitrary executive overreach.
