Doctors at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) have suspended their industrial action following what they described as productive engagements and the timely intervention of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, June 9, the Komfo Anokye Doctors’ Association (KADA) said the suspension took effect from 6:00 p.m. the same day.
The decision followed discussions involving Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the KATH Board, hospital management, and other key stakeholders, who all expressed commitment to resolving the concerns that led to the strike.
The Komfo Anokye Doctors Association (KADA) said that while its members remain determined to ensure a full resolution of the issues behind the industrial action, they have prioritised patient care and the wider public interest.
“While KADA remains committed to ensuring that the issues that occasioned the strike are fully resolved, we have carefully considered the potential impact of the prolonged action on patient care and public health. The safety and well-being of patients and the broader public interest remain central to our responsibilities, and these have informed our decision to suspend the action and continue the dialogue,” the statement said.
The association expressed appreciation to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the hospital board, management, and all stakeholders for helping to facilitate dialogue and create a path toward an amicable resolution of the outstanding issues.
KADA also thanked the National Executive Council and members of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) for their support and intervention throughout the dispute.
It further acknowledged the solidarity shown by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), the Emergency Medicine Society of Ghana (EmSOG), the Orthopaedic Association of Ghana (OAG), the Health Services Workers’ Union (HSWU), the Komfo Anokye Certified Registered Anaesthetists Association (KACRA), the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (GAMLS-KATH Chapter), and the Komfo Anokye Pharmacists Association (KAPA).
The suspension is expected to clear the way for continued negotiations aimed at resolving the outstanding concerns while restoring full healthcare services at one of Ghana’s largest referral hospitals.