President John Dramani Mahama has named Dr. Abubakar Bawah Abdulai, a senior administrator of the University for Development Studies (UDS), as the new CEO of the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH).
Dr. Adam Atiku was removed of his duties on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, and his appointment follows his dismissal.
The dismissal came after Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh paid an unexpected visit to the facility in response to patient Bavug Salim’s death.
According to reports, the patient passed away because the hospital’s emergency room lacked a working ventilator.
During the minister’s visit, a heated verbal encounter between the minister and Dr. Valentine Akwulpwa, the head of the Accident and Emergency Unit, was captured on camera and has since gone viral on social media.
The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has vehemently denounced Dr. Atiku’s termination, calling it an abuse of authority and a breach of due process.
The GMA sought an unreserved apology from the Health Minister and Tamale North Member of Parliament, Alhassan Suhuyini, for their actions during the visit in a statement released on April 23. The statement also called for adherence to administrative procedures.
Amidst growing tensions between government officials and the medical community, the hospital has undergone a substantial leadership transition with the appointment of Dr. Bawah Abdulai.
