Tamale Teaching Hospital Doctors Suspend Emergency & Outpatient Services Over Ministerial Conduct and Poor Conditions

The decision, taken on April 23 during an emergency general meeting of the Doctors’ Association of Tamale Teaching Hospital (DATTH), came in response to what the doctors described as unprovoked and disrespectful conduct by Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh and Tamale North MP Alhassan Suhuyini during a visit to the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit just a day earlier.

Indefinite Suspension: What’s Affected

In a formal statement, DATTH announced a total halt to all emergency and outpatient services, including:

• General OPD

• Specialist Clinics

• Antenatal Services

• Paediatric Outpatient Services

However, the association clarified that inpatient care will continue until current patients are safely discharged.

“All members of DATTH have proceeded on an indefinite suspension of all emergency and outpatient services,” the statement read.

Doctors Demand Accountability and Respect

At the heart of the protest is a demand for unconditional public apologies from both Minister Akandoh and MP Suhuyini—specifically directed at Dr. Valentine Akwulpwa, the Accident and Emergency Unit staff, and all affected personnel at TTH.

“We shall resume provision of emergency and outpatient services after we receive appropriate apologies,” DATTH stated firmly.

The doctors also expressed deep concern over increased hostility in their working environment, asserting that medical professionals cannot operate under intimidation or political interference.

Critical Shortages & Demands for Infrastructure Support

Beyond the political tensions, DATTH used the moment to spotlight a growing list of logistical and infrastructure challenges. In a memo to hospital management, the doctors highlighted acute shortages in the following areas:

???? Immediate Clinical Supply Needs:

• Gloves, gauze, cotton wool, face masks, cannulae, syringes, disinfectants, and plaster

• Reliable supply of water, electricity, and oxygen

• Laboratory reagents and functional autoclave machines

???? Equipment Demands:

• Ventilators for multiple departments

• Vital signs monitors

• Transport incubators

• Diagnostic tools including a helium-free MRI machine, fluoroscopy units, C-arm machine, ABG analyzers, and mobile X-ray systems

They also cited the frequent breakdown of essential equipment as a serious barrier to quality care delivery.

Media Criticism and Safety Concerns

DATTH additionally condemned certain media outlets for what they described as biased and misleading coverage of the incident involving the minister’s visit. The association announced that it would boycott engagement with such outlets until formal retractions and apologies are issued.

“We will not cooperate with any media entity that misrepresents facts and jeopardizes the safety and reputation of our members,” the doctors said.

Open to Dialogue, But Firm on Action

While emphasizing that they are open to continued dialogue with hospital management, DATTH warned that if their demands are not addressed with urgency, they may be forced to “advise themselves”—a term often interpreted in Ghanaian civic parlance as a potential escalation.

As the standoff unfolds, pressure mounts on government stakeholders to de-escalate the crisis and address both the professional dignity and working conditions of Ghana’s frontline medical personnel.

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