The Minority Caucus on the Parliamentary Health Committee has decried what it terms the “unlawful, emotionally charged, and authoritarian” dismissal of Dr. Adam Atiku, the Chief Executive Officer of the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH), by the Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh.
The Minority described the Minister’s actions as a blatant violation of Ghana’s constitutional and statutory frameworks governing public administration, particularly in the health sector.
“According to the Minister, the dismissal is not solely based on the recent unfortunate death of a patient at the Hospital, but rather an exercise of power which, by his own admission, the “appointing authority owes nobody any explanation for.
“This attitude is not only authoritarian but diametrically opposed to the principles of administrative justice, accountability, and the rule of law.”
Minority Health Caucus in Parliament
Citing Section 37(1)(e) of the Ghana Health Service and Teaching Hospitals (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 1009), the Minority explained that the CEO of a teaching hospital is not only the administrative head but also a statutory member of the hospital’s Governing Board.
Removal from this position, they argue, cannot be effected unilaterally by the Minister. Instead, the proper procedure under Section 34(7) of the Parent Act 525 requires the President to act in consultation with the Council of State.
The Caucus also emphasised that disciplinary actions, especially in public health institutions, must first go through a formal process led by the Disciplinary Committee of the hospital, as required by Sections 42(2)(d) and 46 of the Act.
They noted with alarm that no such process was initiated in the case of Dr. Atiku, rendering his dismissal legally and procedurally flawed.
Public Humiliation and Emotional Outbursts
Beyond the legal infractions, the Minority painted a troubling picture of a Minister acting in a hasty and emotionally reactive manner.
They accused the Minister of engaging in a heated confrontation with hospital staff during an unannounced visit to the Tamale Teaching Hospital over deteriorating infrastructure and non-functional medical equipment—concerns that are real but require systemic solutions, not scapegoating.
“In the course of this unannounced visit, the Minister publicly confronted a medical officer, Dr. Valentine Akwulpwa highly respected neurologist, widely believed to be the only one serving the entire Northern Region, and possibly one of fewer than four across the Northern and Upper East/West Regions.
“Dr. Akwulpwa has served the people of Northern Ghana with dedication since completing medical school. Rather than engaging in a private and professional dialogue, the Minister chose to interrogate him over the circumstances surrounding the recent death of a patient’s rights in the presence of the public and the media”.
Minority Health Caucus in Parliament
The Minority was unequivocal in its condemnation of the Minister’s conduct, describing it as “demeaning, inappropriate, and a breach of the decorum that must govern professional interactions in healthcare.”
They noted that such confrontations, especially in public and without any form of procedural hearing, not only undermine the dignity of professionals but also compromise public confidence in the health sector.
Call for Reversal and Accountability
According to the statement signed by Ranking Member Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie and other members, including Dr. Patrick Boakye-Yiadom, Dr. Kingsley Agyemang, Hon. Frank Yeboah, and Hon. Alexandre Akwasi Acquah, the Minority is demanding the immediate reversal of Dr. Atiku’s removal.
They described the dismissal as “unlawful, void, and of no effect.” They further demanded a formal apology from the Minister to Dr. Akwulpwa and the broader staff of TTH for what they termed as “unprofessional and undignified” treatment during the inspection.
The Minority also issued a call to action to professional health bodies, including the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association, the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana, and the Health Services Workers Union, urging them to rise in defence of due process and institutional integrity.
“Civil society organisations must also speak boldly to this matter, for the protection of constitutionalism and the independence of public service institutions is a shared civic duty. The sanctity of Ghana’s public health institutions must be preserved, and the demoralisation of our healthcare professionals halted”.
Minority Health Caucus in Parliament
Referring to the landmark case of Inspector James Atta v. Inspector General of Police and Others, the Caucus reminded the government that administrative actions affecting individuals’ rights and reputations must be grounded in procedural fairness.
They argued that Dr. Atiku was not given a hearing or even informed of any misconduct prior to his dismissal—a clear breach of natural justice principles.
In a final note, the Minority pledged to explore all legal and parliamentary avenues to ensure that the issue is not swept under the carpet.
They reaffirmed their commitment to the rule of law and to safeguarding the independence of public service institutions from arbitrary executive interference.
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