Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has explained that the two-week suspension imposed on KATH Chief Executive Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo was intended to serve as a deterrent and reinforce accountability within the public health sector.
He rejected suggestions that additional approvals were needed before taking action.
“In order to send a clear signal, and punitive actions are meant to serve as deterrents, we proceeded to direct the board to allow the CEO to sit aside for two weeks,” he said during parliamentary session on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
The Minister explained that the temporary suspension would also allow investigations into the circumstances surrounding the announcement that emergency admissions would be halted.
He questioned criticism of the decision and argued that ministers are empowered to act within their mandate.
“Is this a decision I needed the approval of the House to do so?” he asked.
Akandoh also pushed back against broader criticisms of decisions taken by his ministry, including issues related to health sector recruitment.
“If you have any clarification to seek or you have questions, the reasonable thing to do is to file a question for me to appear and answer,” he said.
“I don’t need Parliament’s permission to open the portal.”
The Minister maintained that his actions were lawful and necessary to uphold government policy and administrative discipline within the health sector.
