The internal committee tasked to establish the exact circumstances that led to the death of a patient at the Tamale Teaching Hospital on April 13, 2025 has presented its final report to Minister for Health Honourable Kwabena Mintah Akandoh.

The independent committee, chaired by Mr. Abdul Rahim Mohamed, was tasked to assess the clinical, operational, and systemic factors that may have contributed to the incident, which generated widespread public concern and allegations of medical negligence.

Presenting the report on Tuesday, August 26, Mr. Rahim explained that the committee engaged the patient’s family, hospital staff across relevant units, including the emergency department and ICU, as well as reviewed standard operating procedures at the hospital.

He noted that the committee’s findings were accompanied by far-reaching recommendations aimed at improving operational efficiency and restoring public confidence in the hospital’s services.

According to the committee chairman, Tamale Teaching Hospital plays a critical role in providing care not only to residents of the Northern Region but also to neighboring regions and even parts of Burkina Faso, making the strengthening of its systems vital to the wider health sector.

Receiving the report, Hon. Akandoh commended the committee for its dedication and professionalism. He assured the public that the ministry will thoroughly study the findings and ensure that the recommendations are implemented.

“The ultimate aim is to improve the quality of healthcare services in our country. This report is not just for the Ministry but for the people of Ghana, who deserve assurance that the system is being strengthened”, the minister stated.

The minister emphasized the ministry’s commitment to transparency and accountability in handling matters of public concern and pledged to continue working with all stakeholders to improve patient safety and healthcare delivery nationwide.

Background

Management of the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) earlier clarified that the patient whose death sparked social media outrage required a critical medical procedure the facility does not currently offer.

In a statement dated April 21, the hospital expressed condolences to the bereaved family and acknowledged the growing public concern over the alleged misconduct. TTH explained that the deceased had been referred from another health centre and needed a specialized intervention that falls outside the scope of services available at the hospital.

Compounding the situation, all four ICU beds at the facility — which serves as the main referral hospital for Northern Ghana — were reportedly occupied when the patient was brought in.

TTH appealed to the public to avoid drawing hasty conclusions, assuring that a full internal probe is underway. “The hospital is committed to full transparency and will communicate the outcomes of the investigation once concluded,” the statement said.

The hospital also reaffirmed its commitment to providing compassionate and quality healthcare, adding that efforts are ongoing to enhance emergency and critical care delivery across the region.

Minister for Health, Hon Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, paid a working visit to the Tamale Teaching Hospital, in response to allegations of malpractice that resulted in the death of a patient who had been referred to the facility.

The purpose of this visit was to obtain first-hand information regarding the circumstances surrounding the patient's death, which had been reported on social media over the weekend, alleging misconduct by some healthcare personnel.

The situation intensified when the minister went to assess the public restroom facilities.

President John Dramani Mahama relieved the Chief Executive Officer of the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH), Dr. Adam Atiku, of his duties pending the internal investigation into the death of the patient.

The Minority in Parliament and the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) opposed the dismissal of the Chief Executive Officer of the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH), describing the move as an abuse of authority and a breach of established protocols.

"The manner in which the dismissal was carried out is an affront to due process and abuse of power by the Hon. Minister of Health. The GMA stands in solidarity with our colleagues in the wake of these injustices being perpetuated," the Association stated.

“These acts, if continued, have the tendency of demoralising committed workers and reducing public confidence in the health system,” the GMA noted.

On Wednesday, April 23, the NPP Members of Parliament issued a statement demanding the "immediate reversal" of Dr. Adam's dismissal, describing the minister's move as “unlawful, void, and of no effect.”

“This attitude is not only authoritarian but diametrically opposed to the principles of administrative justice, accountability, and the rule of law,” the statement asserts.

The Minority referenced specific sections of the Ghana Health Service and Teaching Hospitals (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 1009), particularly sections 34, 37, and 42, which they claim do not grant the minister the authority to dismiss the CEO of a teaching hospital in the current circumstances.

The caucus also called on health associations and workers' unions to mobilize and demand Dr. Adam's reinstatement.

Later, President John Dramani Mahama appointed Dr. Abubakar Bawah Abdulai, a senior official at the University for Development Studies (UDS), as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) to replace Dr. Adam Atiku.