The Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) has a new Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Abubakar Bawah Abdulai, a senior official at the University for Development Studies (UDS), following President John Dramani Mahama’s appointment.
This development comes on the heels of the dismissal of Dr. Adam Atiku, the hospital’s former CEO, who was relieved of his duties after a surprise visit by Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh.
The Minister’s visit was prompted by the death of a patient, Bavug Salim, allegedly due to the unavailability of a functional ventilator at the hospital’s emergency department.
A video of the Minister’s confrontation with Dr. Valentine Akwulpwa, Head of the Accident and Emergency Unit, went viral on social media, sparking widespread debate. The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has condemned Dr. Atiku’s dismissal, describing it as a “violation of due process” and an “abuse of power.”
The GMA has demanded an unqualified apology from the Minister and the MP for Tamale North, Alhassan Suhuyini, for their conduct during the visit.
Dr. Abdulai’s appointment marks a significant change in leadership at the hospital, amidst growing tensions between the medical community and government officials.