The Komfo Anokye Doctors’ Association (KADA) has suspended the industrial action embarked upon by its members following the intervention of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and other stakeholders.
According to a press release issued by the association, the suspension took effect from 6:00 p.m. yesterday, paving the way for the restoration of medical services at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH).
KADA said the decision was reached after “fruitful engagements” and the “timely intervention” of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Hospital Board, Management and other key stakeholders, who had demonstrated commitment towards addressing the concerns that triggered the industrial action.
While announcing the suspension, the association stressed that it remained committed to ensuring that the issues that occasioned the strike were fully addressed.
“While KADA remains committed to ensuring that the issues that occasioned the strike are fully resolved, we have carefully considered the potential impact of the prolonged action on patient care and public health,” the statement noted.
It added that the safety and well-being of patients, as well as the broader public interest, had informed the decision to suspend the industrial action and continue dialogue.
KADA expressed gratitude to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Hospital Board, Management and all stakeholders whose efforts facilitated discussions aimed at achieving an amicable resolution of the impasse.
The association also acknowledged the support of the National Executive Council and membership of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), describing their intervention as unwavering throughout the period of the strike.
Appreciation was further extended to the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), Emergency Medicine Society of Ghana (EmSOG), Orthopaedic Association of Ghana (OAG), Health Services Workers’ Union (HSWU), Komfo Anokye Certified Registered Association (KACRA), Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (GAMLS-KATH Chapter) and the Komfo Anokye Pharmacists Association (KAPA) for their solidarity.
The suspension of the strike comes against the backdrop of controversy surrounding the suspension of the Chief Executive Officer of KATH by the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah-Akandoh, following the temporary closure of the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Centre due to severe congestion.
The decision by the suspended CEO to halt admissions at the emergency unit was reportedly taken after consultations with the relevant health authorities, including the Regional Health Directorate and the Ashanti Regional Minister, amid concerns over patient safety and the hospital’s overstretched capacity.
KATH, regarded as Ghana’s largest referral centre by geographical coverage, serves patients from 13 regions of the country and, in some instances, receives referrals from neighbouring countries.
Health sector observers have long attributed the mounting pressure on the facility to delays in completing major health infrastructure projects intended to ease the burden on KATH, including the 250-bed Sewua Hospital and the 500-bed Afari Military Hospital.
The prolonged delay in operationalising these facilities has left KATH grappling with increasing patient numbers, raising concerns over congestion, staff workload and the quality of healthcare delivery.
With the suspension of the industrial action, attention is now expected to shift towards resolving the underlying issues that precipitated the crisis and finding sustainable solutions to the persistent strain on one of the country’s most important referral hospitals.
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