Doctors at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) have announced an indefinite withdrawal of services beginning Saturday, June 6, 2026, in protest against the suspension of the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer by the Ministry of Health.
The decision was reached during an emergency meeting of the Komfo Anokye Doctors Association (KADA) held on June 5, with members describing the suspension as a setback to efforts aimed at addressing the hospital’s growing operational challenges.
In a notice addressed to the Chairman of the KATH Board, the association stated that all clinical services would be withdrawn from 6:00 a.m. on Saturday until their concerns are addressed.
The industrial action follows recent measures introduced by hospital management to tackle severe congestion at the hospital’s Emergency Department. The interventions reportedly included the temporary suspension of new emergency admissions and collaboration with nearby health facilities to manage patient overflow.
According to the doctors, the measures were necessary to safeguard both patients and healthcare workers amid overwhelming pressure on the facility.
They described the actions as “an important clinical and administrative intervention intended to prevent avoidable loss of life and preserve patient safety in the face of severe capacity constraints.”
KADA expressed disappointment that the CEO, whom they believe acted in the best interest of patients and staff, was instead sanctioned.
The association unanimously condemned the decision by the Health Minister to suspend the hospital’s chief executive, calling it “unjustified and counterproductive to efforts to address the underlying systemic challenges confronting the Hospital.”
As part of their demands, the doctors are calling for the immediate review and reversal of the suspension.
They are also demanding that the hospital’s Board develop and communicate clear policies on managing situations where emergency capacity is exceeded, including guidelines on patient overflow management and circumstances under which admissions may be restricted to ensure patient safety.
Additionally, KADA is seeking firm timelines from the Ministry of Health regarding the operationalisation of the Sewua Hospital and Afari Military Hospital, as well as the retooling of KATH and other healthcare facilities across the Ashanti Region.
The association noted that KATH remains the primary referral centre for the middle and northern sectors of the country and continues to face increasing patient numbers despite infrastructure and resource limitations.
“The current situation reflects longstanding systemic challenges that require urgent policy and infrastructure solutions rather than punitive action against healthcare leaders attempting to manage their consequences,” the statement said.
The doctors stressed that the strike is not aimed at disrupting healthcare services but at drawing national attention to pressing concerns regarding patient safety, clinical governance and the long-term sustainability of healthcare delivery at the facility.
KADA further indicated that it would engage the public and key stakeholders through the media to highlight the challenges confronting the hospital and advocate for lasting solutions.
The association has urged the KATH Board to engage the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders urgently to resolve the impasse and restore normal healthcare services.
