Mahama Appoints Bawah Abdulai as New CEO of Tamale Teaching Hospital
- President John Mahama has appointed Dr Abubakar Bawah Abdulai as the new CEO of the Tamale Teaching Hospital
- The immediate past CEO of the healthcare facility was Dr. Adam Atiku, who was dismissed on Tuesday, April 22, 2025
- This followed an unannounced visit by the Health Minister after the death of a patient and allegations of negligence
Ghana’s top stories, now easier to find. Discover our new search feature!
President John Mahama has appointed Dr Abubakar Bawah Abdulai, a senior official at the University for Development Studies, as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Tamale Teaching Hospital.
His appointment comes on the heels of the dismissal of Dr Adam Atiku, who was relieved of his duties on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.
Source: Facebook
Dr Atiku took over as CEO in 2022 after previously serving as the Director of Medical Affairs.
As reported by 3News, the dismissal followed an unannounced visit to the facility by Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh in response to the death of a patient, Bavug Salim.
The patient reportedly died due to the unavailability of a functional ventilator at the hospital’s emergency department.
The Minority Health Caucus in Parliament condemned the dismissal of Atiku in a statement.
They described the dismissal as illegal, emotionally driven, and a blatant breach of administrative and constitutional protocols.
It also accused Akandoh of acting in an 'authoritarian' manner.
“The law does not grant the Health Minister unilateral powers to dismiss a teaching hospital CEO, especially in the manner and under the circumstances in question.”
Controversy over Akandoh's visit to Tamale Hospital
Videos from Akandoh's visit went viral, showing him engaged in heated confrontations with hospital staff over logistical challenges.
The Health Minister expressed concern over the number of idle medical machines, despite payments being made to suppliers.
He called the situation an unacceptable state of neglect, questioning why patients were being referred to private facilities for routine medical services.
The Member of Parliament for Tamale North, Alhassan Suhuyini, claimed Atiku's sacking was unrelated to the visit from the Health Minister.
Tamale Teaching Hospital's struggles
In 2023, the shortage of pediatric dialysis machines and consumables resulted in 15 children dying.
The situation led to healthcare workers to resort to using adult machines, posing an extreme risk to the lives of vulnerable young patients.
The Tamale Teaching Hospital also suffered a severe medical supply shortage back in 2021.
Source: UGC
The hospital's management said the facility would not be able to conduct surgeries due to the lack of essential supplies and water.
In July 2024, an oxygen supply shortage hit the Tamale Teaching Hospital, which is the largest referral centre in northern Ghana.
The shortage was due to the shutdown of the facility’s oxygen plant because of a faulty engine.
Obuobia Darko-Opoku gets an appointment
YEN.com.gh also reported that Obuobia Darko-Opoku was appointed as the Deputy Managing Director of the Ghana Airport Company.
The former host of TV Africa's Morning Show was also the former Deputy Chief Executive Director of the Ghana Free Zones Authority.
Social media users have congratulated Obuobia Darko-Opoku on her appointment after working tirelessly during the 2024 campaign.
New feature: Сheck out news that is picked for YOU ➡️ click on “Recommended for you” and enjoy!
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
