Health Ministry Summons KATH CEO Over Temporary Suspension of Emergency Admissions
Hospital chief ordered to explain decision to halt admissions at Accident and Emergency Centre amid concerns over overcrowding and compliance with presidential directive.
- KATH CEO summoned by Health Ministry over emergency admission halt.
- Ministry cites possible breach of presidential directive.
- Overcrowding blamed as A&E centre exceeds capacity.
The Ministry of Health has summoned the Chief Executive Officer of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo, to explain reports that the hospital temporarily halted new admissions at its Accident and Emergency Centre.
In a letter dated June 3, 2026, and signed by the Chief Director of the Ministry, Desmond Boateng, the Ministry said it had taken note of reports circulating on social media claiming that the emergency unit was full and unable to receive additional patients.
The Ministry also referenced comments attributed to KATH’s Head of Public Affairs on Channel One TV, which suggested that management had acknowledged challenges with admitting new emergency cases.
According to the Ministry, the reported decision appears to contradict a directive from President John Dramani Mahama instructing health facilities not to turn away emergency patients under any circumstances.
The letter ordered the KATH CEO to appear before the Minister of Health by noon on Thursday, June 4, 2026, to justify why disciplinary action should not be taken for allegedly disregarding the presidential directive.
“This is contrary to a clear directive of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Ghana, to hospitals not to turn away emergency cases,” the Ministry stated.
The Ministry added that it expects full cooperation from hospital management as investigations into the matter proceed.
The development comes amid public concern following reports that the Accident and Emergency Centre had reached full capacity and was unable to admit new patients at a critical time.
However, KATH resumed emergency admissions on June 3, after officials reported a slight improvement in bed availability.
The facility’s Accident and Emergency Centre, originally designed to accommodate 37 patients, has reportedly been operating beyond capacity, raising concerns about patient safety and the strain on healthcare delivery systems.
