Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh and Tamale Teaching Hospital CEO Dr Atik Adam during the tour of the facility
The Minority Caucus has condemned the Health Minister, describing his recent action at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) as a “gross disregard” for Ghana’s professional workers.
In a statement by the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Committee on Employment, Labour Relations, and Pensions, Mavis Nkansah-Boadu said, “This does not look like a simple disregard for hardworking Ghanaians, but a serious plan to politicise our labour force and shirk government’s fiduciary responsibility.”
The Afigya Sekyere East MP warned that the incident threatens to further destabilise labour relations in the already “anxious and overly politicised public sector.”
Her statement follows a confrontation between the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh and frontline workers at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH), an incident that culminated in the abrupt termination of the hospital’s CEO’s appointment.
What initially seemed like a tense exchange has now ballooned into a national controversy, with growing concerns over government disrespect, politicisation of the workforce, and the erosion of professional dignity.
Pharmacist and CCD Fellow Kwame Sarpong Asiedu says the TTH altercation marks a dangerous new low, sending an alarming signal to health professionals and other essential service providers: their job security and professional dignity may now be expendable in the name of political expediency.
The statement emphasised the grave timing of the confrontation, stressing that the healthcare system is already stretched thin, battling shortages of experienced workers and high levels of burnout.
“In such a fragile environment, undermining the confidence of doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals is not only reckless but could have deadly consequences.
“Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals play a critical role in delivering trust and hope to our communities. They must be strengthened and respected, not bullied and intimidated,” Mavis Nkansah-Boadu urged.
According to her, of particular concern is the Health Minister’s approach to conflict resolution.
She believes that rather than fostering dialogue and understanding, his conduct is seen as embodying a culture of intimidation and disrespect.
The MP strongly backed the demand by doctors for a formal apology to the revered physician at the center of the altercation and other affected health workers, calling it a basic right to dignity rather than an overstretch.
“This must concern every well-meaning Ghanaian citizen,” she added, stressing that the respect for labour must not be sacrificed at the altar of political loyalty.
Mavis Nkansah-Boadu called on President John Mahama to act swiftly by reprimanding the Health Minister, sending a clear message that the administration is committed to promoting a culture of civility, accountability, and respect towards the nation’s workforce.
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