Ghana’s Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, addressed tensions following his visit to Tamale Teaching Hospital, emphasizing his respect for medical professionals and his commitment to the health sector.
He appealed to the Doctors Association of Tamale Teaching Hospital to end their strike and collaborate on addressing issues in a press conference.
“It can happen to anybody, it happened to me. When I had an accident, the first place I was rushed to was Nyinahini District Hospital. I never imagined that I would one day be at Nyinahini District Hospital, but I was there,” he said.
Reaffirming his respect for health workers, Akandoh noted: “And so, today, from where I sit, I will contribute my quota to the development of this sector. I have no intention to disrespect any medical doctor or health worker; that will be the last thing I will do. But let it be said that respect is reciprocal.”
He further stated his openness to collaboration, adding, “I’m prepared to work with everybody in the sector.”
He added, “My humble appeal to the medical doctors and health practitioners at Tamale Teaching Hospital is that I am the first person to take care of your interests. Therefore, let us call off the strike and let us all regroup and strategise the way forward.
“There are some of the things we can do with our internally generated funds, so please, let us confront the issues as they are,” he appealed.
The minister’s actions, including the dismissal of the hospital’s CEO, have faced criticism from the Ghana Medical Association.
