The Minister of Health, Honourable Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has asserted that executive actions within the health sector do not require prior approval from Parliament when applying administrative sanctions or directives.
Speaking during parliamentary proceedings, he explained that ministerial responsibilities are guided by constitutional authority and established procedural tools available to the executive arm of government. The Minister added that parliamentary engagement remains open through formal questions, motions and statements rather than operational clearance for decisions.
Honourable Akandoh indicated that his past role as a former Ranking Member and current position as Minister of health has exposed him to the procedural instruments that guide parliamentary and executive interaction. He noted that decisions taken within the executive space follow administrative channels which are later subject to parliamentary scrutiny when necessary. He further emphasised that the system provides mechanisms for accountability without requiring prior legislative permission for every action.
In addressing Honourable Afenyo-Markin, the Minister referenced the distinction between parliamentary oversight and executive implementation. He stressed that the use of procedural tools in Parliament allows members to engage government actions through structured channels rather than intervention in day to day administrative decisions.
“I process statements as and when I deem necessary to the floor of the House. I file motions as and when necessary. I file questions as and when necessary. If any member wants me to appear before the House the right tools exist. The executive does not require parliamentary permission to act.”
Honourable Kwabena Mintah Akandoh
Honourable Akandoh argued that disciplinary or punitive measures within the public service fall within ministerial authority when exercising oversight functions. He stated that such actions are intended to ensure accountability and adherence to government policy directives. He added that ministers are empowered to act and later brief Parliament when required.
He also clarified that recruitment processes within the health sector are governed by administrative procedures that begin with formal openings for applications. He explained that the ministry operates through established systems that ensure transparency and equal opportunity in public service appointments.
Suspension Decision Over Hospital Directive Cited As Administrative Enforcement Measure
The Minister of Health, Honourable Kwabena Mintah Akandoh explained that the decision to suspend the Chief Executive Officer of Komfo Anokye Hospital, Dr paa Kwesi Baidoo was grounded in enforcement of government health policy and not parliamentary instruction. He stated that the action followed a review of compliance with a presidential directive on emergency healthcare delivery.
Honourable Akandoh referenced a policy direction issued by the President requiring health facilities to prioritise emergency care without turning away patients under critical conditions. He noted that this directive forms part of national healthcare governance and is binding on all public health institutions. He added that any communication suggesting closure of emergency services directly contradicts that directive.
He further stated that no public health facility has the authority to shut down any section without approval from the Health Ministry. He explained that the legal framework governing teaching hospitals places ministerial directives above board decisions in matters of policy implementation. He cited provisions under the Teaching Hospitals Act which establish the hierarchy of authority between the Ministry and hospital boards.
“Nobody in this country has the authority to close any part of a public health facility without ministerial consent. The President issued a directive that emergency cases must be treated at all times. That directive remains binding on all health institutions.”
Honourable Kwabena Mintah Akandoh
Honourable Akandoh disclosed that following the incident, the Chief Executive Officer was invited for clarification on the decision communicated to the public regarding emergency services. He stated that during the engagement, the officer acknowledged the communication and issued an apology to the ministry and accompanying officials.
He explained that the subsequent administrative directive instructed the board to allow the Chief Executive Officer to step aside temporarily to facilitate further review. He added that the Public Relations Officer was also included in the scope of investigation to ensure full accountability within the communication chain.
The Minister emphasised that such measures are standard administrative practices intended to reinforce compliance and prevent recurrence of policy breaches. He stated that enforcement actions within public institutions serve as deterrents while ensuring alignment with national directives.
Honourable Akandoh addressed procedural expectations within parliamentary oversight, stating that members retain the right to seek clarification through formal questions or motions. He added that executive decisions remain subject to review through these established channels without requiring prior approval for implementation.
He added that administrative authority within the health sector is exercised within legal and constitutional boundaries designed to maintain efficiency and accountability across public institutions.
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