President of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), Professor Ernest Yorke, has weighed in on the recent controversy surrounding the temporary suspension of new emergency admissions at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH).

Speaking to GhanaWeb on June 4, 2026, Professor Yorke said the association has closely monitored developments since the issue became public.

KATH CEO summoned over decision to halt emergency admissions

He explained that after engaging with the hospital's management, speaking to some emergency staff, and listening to the Medical Director's public explanation, the association does not believe patients were turned away.

"After speaking to management, some emergency staff of the hospital, and also listening to the interview granted by the Medical Director, it does not appear that the hospital turned away patients. Rather, it took steps to help peripheral hospitals manage patients because of the congestion at KATH," he said.

Professor Yorke noted that the GMA is awaiting the outcome of discussions between the Chief Executive Officer of KATH and the Minister of Health on the matter.

He stressed the need for urgent investment in emergency healthcare services across the country to prevent similar situations in the future.

"It has become critical to expand and improve emergency care in the country for the benefit of all Ghanaians, irrespective of their location," he stated.

The comments come after KATH announced a temporary suspension of new admissions at its Accident and Emergency (A&E) Centre due to severe congestion.

In a statement issued on June 2, 2026, and signed by the Head of the Public Affairs Unit, Kwame Frimpong, the hospital said its emergency facility had exceeded capacity and could not accommodate additional emergency cases for 24 hours.

Management disclosed that the A&E Centre, originally designed as a 37-bed facility, was operating beyond capacity, with 61 patients admitted across its critical wards and 34 others waiting for treatment space.

The hospital said the temporary measure was necessary to ensure the safety and proper care of patients already receiving treatment.

"In order not to unduly endanger the lives of critically ill patients, the hospital has deemed it appropriate to temporarily curtail further admissions so that the backlog of cases can be attended to over the next 24 hours before new patients are admitted," the statement said.

KATH further indicated that it was working with the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate to redirect patients to other health facilities in the region while efforts were made to reduce pressure on the emergency centre.

KATH suspends new admissions as emergency centre exceeds capacity

The hospital, however, maintained that neonatal, paediatric, and obstetric emergency services remained unaffected.

Management has since indicated that the situation has been resolved and normal operations have resumed.

MAG/MA

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