By Michael Asabere (The Only Living Saint)
Founder, Moment of Wisdom GH TV (MOW)
Former Principal Accountant, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH)
The recent decision by the Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, to direct the suspension of the Chief Executive Officer of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo, for two weeks has come as a surprise to many observers, including this writer.
As a former Principal Accountant of KATH and someone who understands the operational realities of the institution, I find the suspension unfortunate and worthy of reconsideration.
According to the Minister’s letter dated June 5, 2026, the CEO is being suspended for announcing the temporary suspension of emergency admissions at the hospital on June 3, 2026. The Minister contends that the announcement was contrary to directives issued by President John Dramani Mahama.
However, investigations conducted by Moment of Wisdom GH TV indicate that the management of KATH acted appropriately under the circumstances. The announcement was intended to inform the public and safeguard patient welfare amid challenges affecting healthcare delivery at the facility.
More importantly, MOW has not identified any publicly available directive from President Mahama specifically prohibiting KATH management from communicating operational challenges to the public. In the absence of such a clear and contrary directive, it is difficult to understand why the CEO should be subjected to disciplinary action for performing what many would consider a responsible management duty.
The role of a hospital CEO is not merely ceremonial. It involves making difficult decisions, especially when patient safety, staff welfare, and healthcare delivery are at stake. Transparency with the public during periods of operational difficulty should be encouraged rather than punished.
There are also growing public discussions suggesting that the Minister’s action may have been influenced by political considerations. Some commentators allege that the suspension was intended to demonstrate loyalty to the President ahead of a possible ministerial reshuffle. While MOW cannot independently verify such claims, the perception itself raises concerns and underscores the need for fairness, transparency, and due process.
Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo has earned recognition for his commitment to improving healthcare delivery at KATH. The hospital continues to face enormous challenges, including infrastructure constraints, equipment shortages, and increasing patient numbers. Instead of punitive measures, stakeholders should be focusing on supporting management to overcome these challenges.
Moment of Wisdom GH TV therefore respectfully calls on the Minister for Health to reconsider and retract the suspension directive. Allowing Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo to continue his work uninterrupted would be in the best interest of KATH, its staff, and the countless patients who depend on the hospital for quality healthcare services.
As a nation, we must be careful not to discourage public officials and institutional leaders from communicating honestly with the people they serve. Accountability is important, but it must be balanced with fairness and common sense.
The health sector needs collaboration, not confrontation.
Moment of Wisdom; Time for Wisdom.
