Komfo Anokye Doctors Suspend Industrial Action After Otumfuo’s Intervention

Doctors at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) have suspended their industrial action following engagements with management, stakeholders and the intervention of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

In a statement issued on June 9, the Komfo Anokye Doctors’ Association (KADA) announced that the strike had been suspended with effect from 6 p.m. on the same day.

The association said the decision followed what it described as fruitful engagements and commitments by key stakeholders to address concerns that led to the industrial action.

“This decision has been made following fruitful engagements and the timely intervention of His Royal Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Hospital Board, Management and other key stakeholders who have demonstrated commitment towards addressing the concerns that led to the industrial action,” the statement said.

The association noted that although its members remain committed to ensuring that the issues behind the strike are fully resolved, they had also considered the impact of a prolonged industrial action on patient care and public health.

The association said the safety and well-being of patients, as well as the broader public interest, informed its decision to suspend the action and continue dialogue with relevant authorities.

The doctors expressed appreciation to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and the hospital board and management for facilitating discussions aimed at resolving the dispute.

KADA also acknowledged the support of the National Executive Council and membership of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), describing their intervention as important in efforts to address the impasse.

In addition, the association thanked several professional groups and unions for their solidarity, including the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association, the Emergency Medicine Society of

Ghana, the Orthopaedic Association of Ghana, the Health Services Workers’ Union, the Komfo Anokye Certified Registered Anaesthetists Association, the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists and the Komfo Anokye Pharmacists Association.

The strike had raised concerns about healthcare delivery at one of Ghana’s largest referral hospitals, which serves patients from across the Ashanti Region and other parts of the country.

While normal services are expected to resume following the suspension, KADA said discussions will continue to ensure that the concerns that triggered the industrial action are fully addressed.