Arrest, Prosecute Attackers Of TTH CEO – Health NGO

Executive Director of Northern Ghana Aid (NOGAID), Mr Mustapha Sanah, has described as unfortunate the attack on Dr David Kolbila, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) on Monday.

Mr Sanah called on the security agencies to, as a matter of urgency, arrest all the perpetrators for justice to be served.

Mr Kolbila and his officers were marched out of their offices, Monday morning by vigilante group said to be affiliated with the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).

A video which captured the marching off orders by the vigilante group has since gone viral on social media.

The TTH CEO and his officers were seen helplessly walking out of the office on the orders of the men in mufti with bags strapped behind their backs.

The group is accusing Mr Kolbila of mismanagement, corruption and nepotism.

The group is alleging that Dr Kolbila has established a number of companies which he is using to lobby for supplies for the hospital.

Initial reports suggested the invasion was carried out by the Kandahar Boys, a vigilante group affiliated to the NPP, but the group has since denied any involvement.

They have issued a statement to vehemently deny their involvement.

“NOGAID visited the TTH to ascertain the reality of the attack and it is sad to notice the level of lawlessness going on,” according to a statement issued on Monday by Mr Sanah.

The statement also urged the NPP-affiliated youth group to desist from undermining the mandate of President Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

“Ordinary citizens don't take the law into their hands with impunity and granted that David Kolbila's administration is corrupt, the youth cannot [attack him]. We live in a democracy and we must all respect institutions of the state,” the statement added.

The statement said further: "If the youth think that Tamale is not part of President Akufo-Addo's mandate conferred on him in the December 7 in 2016 [election] by the people of Ghana, then the president is the one they are challenging, but not the people of Tamale.”

NOGAID appealed to President Akufo-Addo to show leadership by punishing the lawlessness by ensuring the prosecuting the culprits.

Mr Sanah advised politicians not to rely so much on foot soldiers in party activities as their confidence in them causes the party functionaries to act with impunity when the party is in government.

He said a swift action in the latest attack is also critical since there has been a similar attack on a former CEO of the same hospital.

Mr Sanah recalls a similar attack on one Dr Prosper Akambong, a former CEO of TTH, who was removed by the same youth group in the same style, following which Dr Kolbila took office.

The statement challenged the health ministry to overhaul the entire hospital, "to bring in efficiency and professionalism in the running of the institution."

“NOGAID has worked with the TTH for many years ranging from essential medical equipment supplies to postings of medical doctors from house men to senior consultants of varied backgrounds.

"We did our best for TTH but the facility is in a sorry state and needs an ‘emergency surgery’ to save it. We, therefore, call on the government to support our efforts to see the only referral health facility in the entire north of Ghana succeeds,” the NGO appealed.

It said NOGAID will be organising an emergency Regional Leadership meeting on the issue to demand swift action from the government.