Unannounced visits to health facilities way to go – Sammy Gyamfi touts Health Minister

The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Mr Sammy Gyamfi, has thrown his weight behind the Health Minister’s recent strategy of making unannounced visits to healthcare facilities across the country, describing the initiative as both necessary and commendable.

The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, confirmed the dismissal of the Chief Executive Officer of the Tamale Teaching Hospital, Dr. Adam Atiku, on Joy FM‘s NewsNight on Tuesday, April 22.

The Minister revealed that a formal letter had been issued to communicate Dr. Atiku’s termination.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Wednesday, April 24, Mr Gyamfi praised the Minister for taking a hands-on approach to assessing the state of healthcare delivery in the country, noting that such visits allow for a more accurate understanding of the services being provided to the public.

“For me, I think that the Minister deserves commendations for the approach he has adopted for visiting some of these health facilities unannounced to see for himself the quality of healthcare delivery and the services that people are getting there,” Mr Gyamfi stated.

He further emphasised the importance of accountability within public institutions, particularly in the health sector where service quality has a direct impact on the lives of citizens.

“And when the wrong things are being done, he has every right to question those who have been trusted with the responsibility of delivering those quality services as to why the right things are not being done,” he added.

“And if need be, sanction those who are culpable – and I think we should commend that,” Mr Gyamfi continued.

Meanwhile, doctors at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) on April 23, declared an indefinite suspension of all emergency and outpatient services.

They cite a hostile working environment, lack of basic medical supplies, and what they describe as an insult to their dignity by top government officials.

Source: myjoyonline