Minority Health Caucus Condemns Dismissal of Tamale Teaching Hospital CEO, Labels Minister’s Action as Unlawful

The caucus alleges that the Health Minister acted in contravention of Ghana’s legal framework governing health institutions, particularly citing a breach of the Ghana Health Service and Teaching Hospitals Act. According to the Minority, the dismissal was executed without due process and proper consultation, calling it “a blatant disregard for accountability and the rule of law.”

“The law does not confer unilateral power on the Minister of Health to dismiss the CEO of a teaching hospital, let alone in the manner and under the circumstances now in issue,” the statement read.

Referencing Sections 34(7) and 37(1)(e) of Acts 525 and 1009, the Minority emphasized that Dr. Atiku, as both a member and administrator of the hospital’s governing board, can only be removed with presidential approval in consultation with the Council of State. They further argued that the required procedures under Sections 42 and 46—such as convening a disciplinary committee—were completely disregarded.

Adding to the controversy, the Minority also condemned the Minister’s public conduct during a recent unannounced inspection at the hospital. During the visit, the Minister reportedly confronted a senior neurologist, Dr. Valentine Akwulpwa, over the death of a patient in what the caucus described as “demeaning,” “unprofessional,” and “a collective affront” to medical practitioners.

“Matters of mortality and clinical accountability must be handled with the utmost sensitivity and confidentiality. The Minister’s public outburst was inappropriate and a breach of the decorum that must govern professional interactions in healthcare,” the statement said.

In response to these developments, the Minority has demanded Dr. Atiku’s immediate reinstatement, a formal apology to Dr. Akwulpwa and the entire hospital staff, and urged professional bodies and civil society organisations to “resist ministerial overreach” and defend institutional integrity.