The Doctors Association of Tamale Teaching Hospital (DATTH) has announced the indefinite suspension of emergency and outpatient services, effective immediately, citing systemic failures and a recent altercation with Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh.
In a statement following an emergency meeting on April 23, 2025, the association said members will no longer provide services at the general outpatient department, antenatal clinics, specialist clinics, and paediatric OPD. However, inpatient care will continue until all current patients are safely discharged.
The doctors are demanding an immediate, unconditional apology from the Health Minister and the Member of Parliament for Tamale North, Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini, over a confrontation involving Dr. Valentine Akwulpwa, Head of the Accident and Emergency Department, during the Minister’s visit on Tuesday.
DATTH has outlined urgent short- and medium-term conditions for the restoration of services. These include reliable water and electricity supply, uninterrupted oxygen flow, essential consumables, 100 vital signs monitors, 14 ventilators, and major diagnostic equipment such as a non-helium MRI machine, CT scan, and mobile X-ray units.
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Dr. Abukari Bawah Abdulai as the new Chief Executive Officer of the hospital following the dismissal of Dr. Atiku Adam over allegations of mismanagement and negligence. Despite the ongoing crisis, DATTH has reaffirmed its willingness to engage hospital management in dialogue aimed at resolving the issues and restoring full services.
