A photo of the Tamale Teaching Hospital
What happened
On April 19, 2025, reports surfaced on social media alleging that a patient who had been referred to the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) died a few hours after arrival due to negligence by hospital staff.
The report quickly gained traction online, with many netizens expressing outrage and accusing the hospital of medical negligence. The incident has since sparked widespread public concern and renewed discussions around the state of emergency healthcare services in Ghana.
Hospital response
In response to the mounting criticism, the management of Tamale Teaching Hospital issued an official statement on Monday, April 21, 2025. The hospital extended its condolences to the bereaved family and acknowledged the pain the incident has caused.
However, the hospital firmly denied allegations of negligence. According to the statement, the patient had been referred from another facility and required a specialized medical procedure that TTH is currently unequipped to provide.
Additionally, all four ICU beds at the facility, serving the entire Northern Ghana region, were reportedly occupied at the time of the patient’s arrival.
“We understand the public’s concern and the need for answers,” the statement read. “We respectfully urge all stakeholders to remain calm and avoid drawing premature conclusions.”
TTH has since launched an internal investigation to determine the full circumstances surrounding the patient’s death. Management has pledged to make the findings public upon the investigation’s conclusion.
Minister of Health’s visit
In the wake of the controversy, the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, undertook an urgent working visit to the hospital on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, to gather firsthand information and assess the situation.
The visit followed a viral social media post that accused hospital staff of negligence. According to Isaac Baah Ofei, the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Health, “The Hon. Minister left Accra on Tuesday morning to receive first-hand information in relation to the death.”
Tensions during the visit
During the minister’s visit, tensions were high between hospital management and the minister’s delegation. Videos from the tour captured intense exchanges, with some hospital officials attempting to justify their actions.
The minister was heard in some of the footage criticizing the hospital’s leadership for what he described as poor communication and a lack of proper reception management in the wake of the tragedy.
CEO dismissal
Following the visit, the minister announced the immediate dismissal of the Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, Dr Adam Atiku.
The dismissal was confirmed by Joy News via a post on social media quoting the minister, “I have formally sacked the CEO of the Tamale Teaching Hospital with immediate effect,” Akandoh stated.
The decision comes amid growing frustration over the deteriorating state of healthcare delivery at TTH, where several essential medical machines are reportedly out of service, despite full payments having been made to suppliers.
AM/KA
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