KATH strike: Regional Minister says Agreement reached between management and health unions
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, says an agreement has been reached between management of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and striking health unions following a stakeholder meeting held at the facility.
The meeting was convened to address concerns that triggered industrial action by the Komfo Anokye Doctors Association (KADA) and the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), following the suspension of the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer and other operational challenges.
Speaking to the media after the engagement, Dr. Amoakohene said a consensus had been achieved, adding that the unions would brief their members on the details of the agreement.
He also indicated that the outcome of the discussions would be submitted to the Minister for Health for further action.
“We want to assure the general public that these issues will be resolved swiftly to prevent further disruptions to healthcare delivery,” he said.
Dr. Amoakohene stressed that KATH remains a key referral hospital serving the middle belt of the country and must continue to operate without interruption.
He commended the Health Minister, hospital management, and leadership of the health unions for their cooperation during the discussions.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including the Ashanti Regional Health Director, the Regional Coordinating Director, the Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive, and representatives of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), KADA, and GRNMA.
On the issue of congestion at KATH, the Regional Minister said progress is being made on several health infrastructure projects, including the Afari, Trede, and Oforikrom hospitals.
He noted that equipment installation has already begun at the facilities, with newly secured funding to complete the remaining works.
He added that the Regional Health Directorate has also begun staff deployment planning to ensure the facilities are operational before commissioning.
Dr. Amoakohene further disclosed that authorities are considering additional measures to ease pressure on KATH, including a reverse referral system that would allow stabilised patients to continue treatment closer to their communities.