The minority caucus in Ghana's Parliament is demanding the immediate reinstatement of Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo. He is the CEO of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH). The caucus calls the suspension a misguided attempt to shift blame.
Dr. Nana Ayew Afriye, Ranking Member of the Health Committee, issued a statement on Sunday, June 7, 2026. He described the suspension as a "knee-jerk decision." It fails to address the real causes of the "No Bed Syndrome." This persistent problem confronts KATH. Holding the CEO solely responsible ignores long-standing structural challenges.
"The persistent ‘No Bed Syndrome’ is not fundamentally a leadership problem at KATH," Dr. Afriye stated. "It is a capacity problem. It is an infrastructure problem. It is a referral system problem. It is a health workforce and resource allocation problem." The minority lawmaker argues that KATH faces increased pressure. Critical health facilities meant to ease this congestion are not fully operational.
The Ashanti Regional Hospital at Sewua and the Afari Military Hospital were built to reduce KATH's burden. "It is therefore difficult to understand why a government that inherited these critical facilities would choose to suspend a hospital CEO rather than accelerate the full operationalisation of these hospitals and strengthen referral arrangements," he argued.
Dr. Afriye also pointed to the Trede District Hospital and the Kokoben-Oforikrom District Hospital. Both were commissioned in 2024. They have 100-bed capacities. They were designed to provide modern healthcare services in the Ashanti Region. These facilities are still largely non-operational nearly two years after their commissioning. KATH continues to struggle with severe congestion.
"It is therefore difficult to understand how government can justify suspending the CEO of KATH for challenges arising from excess demand when two fully completed 100-bed hospitals, specifically built to absorb part of that demand, remain unable to provide the services for which they were constructed," he argued. This situation raises questions about the government's priorities and actions.
The Ranking Member suggested the government must explain delays in activating key health facilities. Many Ghanaians wonder if delays in operations like Sewua Hospital are politically motivated. This is especially as the Ashanti Region is not a major stronghold of the governing NDC party. "Government must provide clear answers," he demanded.
Suspending the hospital's chief executive will not solve the crisis. "Punishing one hospital administrator may create headlines, but it will not create additional beds, equip emergency wards, recruit specialist staff, or decongest referral centres," Dr. Afriye stated. The Ghanaian people expect leadership that confronts root causes. They do not want convenient scapegoats.
The minority called for immediate action. This includes revoking the suspension. It also means operationalizing completed health facilities. Addressing concerns from the Ghana Medical Association is crucial. A more consultative management approach for the health sector is needed. "The health sector requires solutions, not scapegoats," the statement concluded.
Meanwhile, medical doctors at KATH announced an indefinite withdrawal of services. They protest the Minister of Health's directive. The suspension of CEO Dr. Baidoo was seen as unjustified and detrimental to patient care. This action followed an emergency meeting on Friday, June 5, 2026.