Retaining high-performing CEOs after elections is crucial – Professor Otchere Addai-Mensah
Professor Otchere Addai-Mensah, Professor at KNUST and former CEO of KATH
Professor Otchere Addai-Mensah, a distinguished lecturer and former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), is urging successive governments to abandon the practice of wholesale dismissals and retain excellent heads of state institutions, particularly those in health and other technical sectors.
This, he argues, would allow these professionals to continue performing their vital functions without political disruption.
The Detriment of Political Dismissals
Speaking on Angel FM in Kumasi, Professor Addai-Mensah criticized the long-standing tradition that grants new governments the freedom to arbitrarily replace high-performing CEOs. He contended that this practice is detrimental to institutional development and stability.
He emphasized the professional oaths taken by staff in health, education, and technical organizations, which bind them to maintain optimal performance standards.
“For us in the medical or education fields, we are bound by the oaths we swore to maintain professional standards in our work and we are never moved by political considerations,” Professor Addai-Mensah asserted.
The Need for Renewed National Dialogue
Professor Addai-Mensah called for a renewed national discussion on this matter to ensure the country maximizes the potential of its trained professionals.
He pointed out that the wanton dismissal of leaders—who serve as mentors—due to political reasons often discourages and shoots down the morale of aspiring professionals seeking to reach the highest levels of their institutions.
“Not all of us are political in our reasoning or considerations because we are trained to offer service or care to persons no matter their tribes or political leanings,” the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Professor explained.
Call for Support for KATH CEO:
Professor Addai-Mensah has appealed for support for the current CEO of KATH, Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo.
He urged the management and staff of the hospital to offer Dr. Baidoo their complete support to ensure he succeeds in his mandate.
Furthermore, he stressed the importance of completing the ‘Heal Komfo Anokye Project’ to restore the hospital to good condition and improve service delivery for the people of the Ashanti Region.
“I will appeal to the public as well as other private and corporate organisations to contribute to the Heal KATH Project so that together we can put our premier hospital in good condition,” Professor Addai-Mensah concluded.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Michael Ofosu-Afriyie, Kumasi
