The President of the Komfo Anokye Doctors Association (KADA), Dr Michael Leat, has revealed that efforts to resolve the ongoing strike at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) suffered a major setback after the Ministry of Health issued a statement defending the suspension of the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Paa Kwesi Baidoo.
According to Dr Leat, doctors were engaged in constructive discussions with the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, and were making significant progress towards ending the industrial action.
He explained that the meeting had created optimism among the striking doctors, with indications that a resolution could soon be reached. However, the situation changed abruptly after the Ministry of Health released a public statement on Sunday, June 7, justifying the suspension of the KATH CEO.
In the statement, the Ministry described the strike action by doctors and nurses as “unfortunate”. It maintained that Dr Baidoo’s suspension was an administrative decision intended to ensure accountability, patient safety, and compliance with established health sector procedures.
Speaking to Citi News, Dr Leat said the Ministry’s intervention angered members of the association and disrupted discussions that were moving in a positive direction.
“The strike was a decision taken by a group, and so we presented it to them and, in the course of our discussion to see the next step, we saw a release from the Minister for Health which threw off the discussion,” he stated.
He added that the reaction from members was immediate and intense.
“In fact, people were angry, and we had to end the meeting. As it stands, we are still on strike. We will still be taking steps to make sure we go back to our people, talk to them through more discussions and see how best we come out positively,” Dr Leat said.
The development means the industrial action at KATH remains in force, despite earlier signs that negotiations could lead to a breakthrough. The doctors say they will continue consultations with their members before deciding on the next course of action.
