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Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has appealed to striking doctors at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) to return to work, insisting he had no intention of disrespecting medical staff during his controversial April 22 visit to the facility.
The visit, prompted by the death of a patient allegedly due to the absence of a working ventilator, sparked backlash after footage of a heated exchange between the minister and Dr. Valentine Akwulpwa went viral.
In response, the Doctors Association of TTH (DATTH) suspended all emergency and outpatient services, citing “unwarranted attacks” and demanding apologies and improved medical resources.
Speaking at a press briefing on April 24 in Accra, Akandoh emphasized his respect for healthcare workers. “I have absolutely no intention to disrespect any doctor or health worker—that would be the last thing I’d do,” he said, recalling his own experience as a patient to underline his empathy.
He urged the doctors to end the strike, promising collaboration and renewed investment in healthcare. “Let’s regroup and confront the issues together. Some solutions can be handled with our internally generated funds,” he added.
Despite his conciliatory tone, the fallout from the dismissal of TTH CEO Dr. Adam Atiku remains unresolved. The Ghana Medical Association has strongly condemned the move, describing it as a breach of due process and calling for an official apology from the minister.
