Charles Amissah case: Govt implementing committee recommendations, sanctions still possible — Akandoh

Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh says doctors and other health professionals implicated in the Charles Amissah case could still face sanctions as institutions implement recommendations from a committee set up to investigate the matter.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Wednesday, Mr Akandoh said various institutions were still working through the directives issued following the committee’s report.

He said some institutions, including the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, had already reached conclusions on some of the recommendations.

The Minister acknowledged that the process had taken some time but explained that disciplinary action in certain cases involved legal considerations.

“Maybe I may have to tell you that in some instances it’s not a straightforward issue, as you said. There are some legal nuances, and that’s the only thing I can add,” he said.

Mr Akandoh stressed that the government remained committed to implementing the committee’s findings.

“We are implementing the recommendations of the committee,” he said.

Asked whether individuals recommended for disciplinary action would eventually be sanctioned, the Minister responded: “Why not? They are all under the laws of Ghana, and so that’s how far I can go.”

The Charles Amissah case became a major test of Ghana’s emergency healthcare system amid the controversy surrounding the “no bed syndrome”.

The government subsequently established a committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the case and make recommendations to address weaknesses in the emergency healthcare system.

Among the proposed reforms are the creation of a national electronic emergency bed management system, compulsory triage for emergency patients, integration of the Ghana Armed Forces’ critical care capacity into the national emergency system and the establishment of a national emergency care fund to cover the first 24 hours of care.

Mr Akandoh said implementation of the electronic bed management system had already begun.

A command centre has been established at Ridge Hospital, with the system currently being piloted in selected regional and teaching hospitals.

According to the Minister, the system will give the Ministry of Health real-time visibility over available emergency beds and patients occupying them.

It will also help authorities identify patients who remain in emergency units for more than 24 hours, despite claims that no beds are available.

“It will help us to manage the scarce resources,” he said.

Mr Akandoh added that hospitals were being equipped with barcoded beds, while ambulance services had also been integrated into the system.

He said the government was also considering expanding emergency care capacity at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Tamale Teaching Hospital and the 37 Military Hospital.

The Minister said more than 200 ambulances were currently in service, with plans to procure an additional 100 vehicles in 2027.