Ashanti Regional Minister secures breakthrough deal to end KATH industrial action, announces healthcare overhaul
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, has announced a breakthrough agreement aimed at ending the industrial action at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital following a crucial stakeholder meeting held on Sunday, June 7, 2026.
The emergency meeting was convened to address concerns that led to strike actions by the Komfo Anokye Doctors Association and the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association over the suspension of the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer and other operational issues affecting healthcare delivery.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Dr Amoakohene disclosed that a consensus had been reached among the parties involved, paving the way for a return to normal operations at the hospital.
“We have had fruitful engagements with all stakeholders, and I am pleased to announce that a common ground has been reached. The various unions will communicate the specific details of the agreement to their members, while we forward the resolutions to the Minister of Health for immediate action,” he stated.
The Minister expressed confidence that the intervention would restore calm and prevent further disruptions at one of the country’s busiest referral facilities.
“KATH plays a critical role in healthcare delivery not only in the Ashanti Region but across the middle belt of Ghana. We are committed to ensuring that these issues are resolved promptly in the interest of patients and the general public,” he added.
Dr Amoakohene also praised the leadership of the health unions and the Minister of Health for their cooperation and willingness to engage in dialogue.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including the Ashanti Regional Health Director, the Regional Coordinating Director, the Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive, and representatives of the Ghana Medical Association, KADA and GRNMA.
Government Moves to Decongest KATH
As part of broader efforts to address persistent congestion at KATH, the Regional Minister announced significant progress on several healthcare infrastructure projects across the region.
According to him, installation of medical equipment has commenced at the Afari, Trede and Oforikrom hospital projects following the release of additional funding to facilitate the completion of outstanding works.
“We have secured resources to support contractors and accelerate work on these facilities. Once operational, they will significantly reduce the pressure on KATH and improve access to quality healthcare services,” he noted.
Dr Amoakohene disclosed that the Regional Health Directorate has already begun staff deployment and rationalisation plans to ensure the hospitals are adequately resourced ahead of their commissioning.
New Referral Policies Under Consideration
The Regional Minister further revealed that authorities are considering innovative healthcare management strategies to improve patient flow and maximize available resources.
Among the proposals is a reverse referral system that would allow patients who have been stabilised at KATH to continue their recovery at healthcare facilities closer to their communities.
“We are exploring a system where patients referred to KATH for specialised treatment can be transferred back to their local hospitals once their condition improves. This will free up beds for critical cases and improve efficiency,” he explained.
Another proposal under consideration involves deploying specialist consultants from KATH to district hospitals periodically to provide expert medical services closer to patients.
“Instead of always moving patients to Kumasi, we want to assess the possibility of taking specialist services to the people. This could greatly improve healthcare access while reducing congestion at the teaching hospital,” he said.
Dr Amoakohene assured residents that all proposed reforms would undergo extensive consultations and public engagement before implementation.
“Our goal is to build a more efficient and accessible healthcare system. We will continue to engage stakeholders and the public to ensure that every decision taken serves the best interests of the people,” he emphasized.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com
