Open Letter To The President Of The Republic Of Ghana, H.E. John Dramani Mahama

Minister Akandoh’s Actions Seen as Denting Government Image + “National Security Threat” Concerns

Since assuming office as Minister of Health in February 2025, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has embarked on a series of “accountability sweeps” and direct interventions at health facilities. While the Ministry frames these actions as efforts to enforce standards and transparency, critics argue that the manner and frequency of these interventions are causing political and operational damage.

1. Suspension of Nalerigu Nursing Training College Principal — Feb 27, 2026

During a working tour of the Upper East, North East, and Northern Regions, Akandoh ordered the immediate suspension of the Principal of the Nalerigu Nurses and Midwifery Training College, Alhaji Ibrahim Chimsi, over alleged “unauthorised admissions”.

Why it’s denting the image:

• Perception of hasty judgment: The public noted that the principal was relatively new and had not conducted any independent admission exercise. Commentators argued that the irregular admissions occurred under a predecessor who had retired. This fuels a narrative that the Minister acts before establishing full facts.
• Impact on training institutions: Suspending heads mid‑academic year creates instability, anxiety among students and parents, and raises questions about due process.
• Political optics: Nalerigu is in the North East Region, an area the government is working to win back. A high‑profile sanction there—especially if perceived as unfair—can alienate local opinion leaders and NPP/NDC swing voters.

2. Tamale Teaching Hospital Saga — April 2025

Akandoh’s surprise visit to TTH after the death of a patient allegedly due to a non‑functional ventilator led to a heated confrontation with Dr. Valentine Akwulpwa, Head of Accident & Emergency. The Minister also dismissed CEO Dr. Adam Atiku on the spot.

Fallout denting government image:

• Strike & service disruption: Doctors at TTH indefinitely suspended emergency and OPD services, including antenatal and paediatrics. Patients were stranded. Any disruption at Ghana’s second‑largest teaching hospital becomes a national headline and erodes confidence in “Mahama Cares” and health reforms.
• GMA + Minority backlash: The Ghana Medical Association called the dismissal an “abuse of power” and said it violated due process. The Minority Health Caucus accused Akandoh of acting unilaterally without constitutional authority. This allows opponents to frame the government as “authoritarian”.
• National security angle: When emergency services at a regional referral centre shut down, it directly threatens public health security. Opponents labelled the action a “national security threat” because it left northern Ghana without reliable emergency care.

3. Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital — June 2026 CEO Suspension

Akandoh suspended KATH CEO Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo for two weeks over his handling of emergency admissions during congestion. Doctors responded with an indefinite strike starting June 6, 2026, leaving patients stranded.

Political damage:

• Pattern narrative: After TTH, KATH becomes the second major teaching hospital hit by a strike linked to the Minister’s direct sanctions. Critics now claim there is a “pattern” of confrontation rather than collaboration.
• President Mahama’s projects affected: President Mahama had just commended progress on KATH’s Cath Lab and the KNUST Medical Centre. A doctors’ strike undercuts these “reset agenda” achievements.
• Public perception: Videos of nurses telling patients to “go home” went viral. Such imagery sticks more than policy explanations.

4. Upper West Regional Directors Transfer — April 14, 2025

The Ghana Health Service reassigned several Regional Directors, including Dr. Damien Punguyire from Upper West to the Eastern Region. Dr. Josephat Ana‑Imwine Nyuzaghi moved from Savannah to Upper West.

Why it matters politically:

• Staff exodus context: The new Upper West Director later reported that 194 health workers left the region in 2025, compared to only 30 arrivals, with none of the 25 posted doctors reporting that year. Mass transfers during a staffing crisis create the impression that Accra is “shuffling” rather than “retaining”.
• Regional politics: Upper West is a key battleground. Frequent leadership changes without visible improvement can be spun as government instability.

5. “Saboba Health Action” & General Tone

While there is no single “Saboba incident” in reports, Saboba District was flagged for high maternal mortality before interventions. Government has since invested in bridges to improve health access there. However, if the Minister’s heavy‑handed style is repeated in rural districts, it risks being framed as “Accra bullying local facilities”.

How These Actions Dent the Image of Government / President / Party

1. “Disrespect & Authoritarianism” Narrative:

   The viral TTH video of Akandoh and Dr. Akwulpwa gave opponents material to push the narrative that “the NDC disrespects professionals”. The President and party are blamed by association, even when the President is launching major projects.

2. Service Disruption = Governance Failure:

   Strikes at TTH and KATH directly contradict the government’s message of improved healthcare. Voters remember “no doctor at A&E” more vividly than “GH¢1.2bn for Free Primary Healthcare”.

3. Due Process Questions:
   Statements from the Minority and GMA about “unilateral power” and “abuse of power” give the opposition legal and constitutional ammunition. This shifts the debate from “fighting corruption” to “breaking the law”.

4. Regional Political Cost:
   Sanctions in Nalerigu and transfers affecting Upper West occur in areas the NDC needs to consolidate. Local chiefs, MPs, and families of affected students and workers become swing voices.

5. National Security Framing:
   When emergency units close and doctors withdraw services, critics easily reframe health management as a “security threat”. That language is politically explosive.

Counterpoint from Government / Ministry

The Ministry defends Akandoh’s actions as enforcing non‑negotiable standards, fighting “wasteful practices”, and ensuring accountability. The Minister has also apologised for any perceived disrespect, stressed that “respect is reciprocal”, and appealed for doctors to return to work.

Bottom Line

Akandoh’s interventions show a Minister willing to act decisively. But the manner—public confrontations, on‑the‑spot dismissals, and suspensions without complete investigations—has triggered strikes, viral backlash, and opposition talking points. For the President and the NDC, the risk is that “accountability” becomes reframed as “chaos”, especially when patients suffer and regional facilities are destabilised.

Comrade Yentik Gariba
Nalerigu, North East
[email protected]