The Minority Caucus on the Health Committee of Parliament has called on doctors at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) to consider suspending their decision to halt service deliveries, in the interest of the general public.

In a letter dated Friday, April 25, 2025, the caucus, while acknowledging the doctors' justifications for their action, urged them to rescind the strike, considering its short and long-term implications for vulnerable members of society.

“We wish, first and foremost, to express our utmost respect and appreciation for the selfless service and extraordinary professional commitment of the doctors and staff of Tamale Teaching Hospital. Despite constrained resources and immense professional pressures, you continue to uphold the sacred duty of care to the people of Northern Ghana and beyond. Your service is not only noble but indispensable to the nation’s healthcare system.

“We are, however, deeply concerned about the immediate and long-term implications of suspending critical services, particularly for the most vulnerable who depend on TTH for urgent care. While your concerns are valid and your demands legitimate, we respectfully appeal to the leadership and general membership of DATTH to consider, as a matter of urgency, rescinding this decision in the supreme interest of public health,” the statement read.

Although the doctors have demanded an apology from the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, for his altercation with one of their colleagues, the Minority Caucus urged them to resume services while the caucus pursues remedies through legitimate oversight channels.

“To this end, we assure the entire medical fraternity at TTH that the Minority Caucus on Health stands firmly with you. We shall continue to amplify your concerns and ensure that the critical logistical, infrastructural, and administrative challenges you face receive the attention they deserve at the highest levels of public governance. Your welfare, dignity, and working conditions will remain a central part of our oversight priorities in the coming months,” the statement added.

The caucus further called on all parties involved to prioritise patients’ interests while assuring their commitment to facilitating processes leading to restoration and progress.

The statement by the Minority Caucus was signed by the Ranking Member of the Health Committee, Dr Nana Ayew Afriye, and the Deputy Ranking Member, Dr Patrick Boakye-Yiadom.

Other members of the caucus include Dr Kingsley Agyemang, Frank Yeboah, and Alexander Akwasi Acquah.

Health minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh’s surprise visit to Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, following a patient’s death, led to a heated clash with Dr Valentine Akwulpwa, Head of the Accident and Emergency Department, sparking tensions.

The Doctors’ Association of TTH later declared an indefinite strike, halting emergency and outpatient services, and demanded apologies from the minister and Tamale North MP, Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini, for alleged disrespect.

They also requested urgent supplies, such as ventilators.

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