The Asante Youth Association in the Ashanti Region has pledged to stage a protest if the dismissal of Prof. Othcere Addai Mensah as the CEO of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) is not reversed.

The youth group is calling on President Mahama and the Health Minister to reinstate Prof. Addai Mensah, allowing him to complete his work on the Heal Komfo Anokye initiative and continue the positive changes at the hospital.

In a statement, the association highlighted the significant improvements made under Prof. Addai Mensah’s leadership during his two and a half years at the helm of KATH.

The hospital’s dialysis machines have increased from just two to twenty, and the Heal Komfo Anokye project has been instrumental in upgrading the hospital’s infrastructure and healthcare delivery.

"His leadership has ensured the hospital now has twenty dialysis machines from two, and the Heal Komfo Anokye Project initiative has put the hospital in good condition for healthcare, among other ongoing developmental projects," the group said.

Nana Oppong Boadi, the Assistant President of the association, expressed concerns over the politicization of healthcare leadership, warning that it could set a dangerous precedent.

He pointed out that Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital had not seen any significant renovations in decades until Prof. Addai Mensah took charge, with his renovation efforts being supported by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

"Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital hadn't been renovated for decades, and it took Prof. Otchere Addai Mensah's initiative, endorsed by His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to embark on renovations," Nana Boadi said.

The youth group emphasized that the decision to dismiss Prof. Addai Mensah was a step backward for the hospital and urged the government to reconsider its stance.

They are calling for him to be allowed to complete his contract, which runs until next year, to finish the important developmental projects underway at KATH.

In addition, the Asante Youth Association criticized the political class, particularly those who seek medical care abroad, while neglecting to ensure the proper functioning and improvement of local healthcare facilities like KATH.

The group has called for immediate intervention from the government to prevent a public demonstration, as they are determined to see the hospital’s progress continue uninterrupted.