Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has expressed concern over what he describes as a recurring pattern of personal attacks by certain union leaders within the health sector.
His comments follow criticism from the General Secretary of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), Dr. David Tenkorang-Twum, whose remarks about the Minister went viral on social media.
Speaking to the press on Thursday, August 21, the Minister emphasized that his focus remains on improving the health sector under the Mahama-led government, and that personal attacks would not derail his mandate.
He said, “It has come to our attention as a Ministry that some union leaders have developed a pattern of attacking my person at the least provocation and in most cases without provocation. As a Ministry, we have a clear mandate to deliver, to improve or form the health sector.”
“Let me state this, that I have the health workers of this country at heart. And so any attempt by any individual or any group of people to try to incite the health professionals against government, pretending they care more than us, is unfortunate. We must stop that. It is an avoidable tension we must avoid. It doesn’t help the sector. If indeed we are practicing health professionals in the sector, it doesn’t help the sector.”
The criticism stemmed from an incident at the Ridge Hospital, where relatives of an accident victim clashed with emergency staff over alleged delays in treatment.
The altercation escalated, with activist Ralph St. William accused of assaulting a nurse, prompting police intervention.
While Minister Akandoh personally visited the hospital to condemn the attack and pledge improved security, video footage later showing him in a handshake with Ralph drew public criticism, intensifying the dispute.
Dr. Tenkorang-Twum accused the Minister of lacking understanding of hospital operations, citing his farming background.
Many health bodies and youth groups have condemned the comments, describing them as personal attacks.
The Minister reiterated that while he welcomes constructive criticism, attacks on his person are counterproductive and urged all stakeholders to focus on collaborative efforts to strengthen Ghana’s healthcare system.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
