The Doctors’ Association at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) has called off its strike, resuming operations only at the Emergency Unit, while Out Patient Department services remains suspended. This decision follows a meeting with a high-powered delegation sent by the Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II.
The strike, which lasted nearly two days, left many patients stranded and sparked widespread concern. Despite calls from the Health Minister, the Minority Caucus, and Parliament’s Health Committee for a complete suspension of the industrial action, the doctors have resolved to continue their strike at the Out-Patient Department (OPD).
The hospital confirmed the partial suspension in a Facebook post, stating that the intervention of the Dagbon King was instrumental in convincing the doctors to resume emergency services.
“A powerful delegation from the King of Dagbon, N-dan Ya-Naa has engaged leadership and the Doctors’ Association of TTH. The delegation conveyed a word from the King to the striking doctors. The intervention of the King successfully got the doctors to resume emergency services.” It stated.
The doctors initially suspended both emergency and OPD services in protest, demanding an unqualified apology from the Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh; Tamale North MP, Hon. Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini; and the provision of at least 21 short and medium term critical utility and medical equipment.
As a result of the protest, the Health Ministry has delivered 35 essential medical items to the facility to support healthcare delivery and address longstanding logistical deficits. However, the doctors’ call for an apology remains unresolved.
Minister Akandoh, while yet to issue a formal apology to the doctors, hospital staff, and the neurologist involved in the earlier confrontation, has appealed to the doctors to end the strike and instead adopt strategic measures to address internal challenges.
He urged the facility’s management to leverage internally generated funds to maintain services and improve infrastructure.The OPD remains closed as negotiations continue.