The Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) has called on the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, to rescind the suspension of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Dr Paa Kwesi Baidoo and allow to due process to take its course.

The party described the decision as premature and unfair, arguing that the circumstances leading to the temporary suspension of emergency admissions at the hospital stemmed from longstanding systemic challenges facing the country's healthcare sector.

In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Jerry Owusu Appauh, the LPG said hospital administrators should not be punished for operational difficulties arising from inadequate infrastructure, limited resources and increasing patient numbers.

It said that a thorough investigation should first be conducted to determine whether the CEO acted negligently or made decisions in the interest of patient safety before any disciplinary action is taken.

"We respectfully urge the Ministry of Health to reconsider this decision, ensure that due process is followed and focus on addressing the underlying causes of congestion at KATH," the statement said.

Systemic challenges

The LPG maintained that the temporary halt in emergency admissions at the hospital was reportedly caused by severe congestion and overwhelming pressure on facilities at the Accident and Emergency Centre.

According to the party, such challenges are not unique to KATH but reflect broader difficulties facing referral hospitals across the country.

It said leadership should not be made a scapegoat for challenges rooted in infrastructure deficits and resource constraints.

The party further cautioned that the suspension could discourage hospital managers from openly highlighting operational difficulties for fear of punitive sanctions.

"Effective leadership in healthcare requires collaboration, dialogue and institutional support, not punitive actions taken without transparent justification," the statement added.