The dismissal of Dr Adam Atiku, Chief Executive Officer of the Tamale Teaching Hospital, has ignited a heated reaction in Parliament, with the Minority Health Caucus describing the move as unlawful and procedurally flawed. The Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, announced the dismissal during an official visit to the facility, citing allegations of negligence against the CEO. The announcement came on Tuesday, April 23, 2025, and was believed to have been sanctioned by President John Dramani Mahama.
However, the Minority has taken a strong stand against the development, raising concerns over the legality and fairness of the dismissal process. According to their statement, the decision violates the Ghana Health Service and Teaching Hospitals Act, suggesting that due process was neither initiated nor followed. The caucus insists that the abrupt termination of Dr Atiku’s tenure lacked both procedural and constitutional legitimacy.
The group pointed to key provisions within Acts 525 and 1009, particularly Sections 34(7) and 37(1)(e), which outline the appointment and removal mechanisms for heads of teaching hospitals. These laws, they argue, make it clear that such dismissals should not be carried out unilaterally by a minister. Rather, the removal of a hospital CEO must involve a comprehensive process, including consultation with the Council of State and approval from the President.
Criticism intensified when the Health Minister was reported to have said that the appointing authority “owes nobody any explanation,” a statement the Minority described as dismissive and contrary to principles of good governance. They labelled this approach as authoritarian, asserting that accountability is a cornerstone of public service and should never be sidestepped.
Further compounding the Minority’s concerns is the absence of a disciplinary committee inquiry prior to the dismissal, as mandated under Sections 42 and 46 of the relevant law. This, they argue, renders the action not only irregular but also unjust to the officeholder and the broader healthcare system.
The development has stirred debate beyond Parliament, especially given the vital role Tamale Teaching Hospital plays in delivering healthcare in northern Ghana. The suddenness of the decision has left questions unanswered about what specific charges were brought against Dr Atiku and why standard disciplinary procedures were bypassed.
Stakeholders are watching closely to see whether this situation sets a precedent or prompts a review of administrative conduct within Ghana’s health sector. Meanwhile, the Minority maintains that the action was not just hasty but fundamentally flawed, urging authorities to reconsider the move in the interest of justice and institutional integrity.
As the conversation continues, many are calling for greater adherence to the rule of law and established protocols, particularly when decisions affect leadership in critical public institutions. The controversy has highlighted the delicate balance between executive power and institutional autonomy, raising broader questions about accountability and governance in Ghana’s healthcare administration.
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