The newly sworn-in Health Minister, Dr. Kwaku Agyemang-Mensah has re-appointed the dismissed acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Rev. Albert Okpoti Botchwey.
Dr. Agyemang-Mensah in a letter addressed to the Board Chairman of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Eddy Annan and copied to the Executive Secretary to President John Mahama, Chief Director at the Ministry of Health and the Auditor-General overturned an earlier decision taken by his predecessor, Sherry Ayittey which relieved Rev. Botchwey of his post.
The letter said: “…I would therefore be most obliged if you would suspend the implementation of the Ministry of Health’s letter dated July 7, 2014, with reference no. MOH/OM/14.”
Rev. Botchwey was asked to step down following a series of complaints and agitations by senior staff of the hospital.
The acting CEO and the hospital’s board were accused of mismanaging internally generated funds of the hospital and victimizing outspoken members of staff.
The senior staff petitioned the President to intervene in the matter by possibly dismissing Rev. Botchwey and dissolving the board.
Ms Ayittey before leaving office as Health Minister ordered Rev. Botchwey to revert to his position on the board and appointed Dr. Samuel Asiamah to act in his stead.
But her orders have been reversed.
Below is the letter from Health Minister, Dr. Kwaku Agyemang-Mensah
KORLE-BU TEACHING HOSPITAL
Having been sworn in as Minister of Health this morning, I have taken notice of certain pertinent problems at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital that need to be addressed.
Wisdom demands that I take some time to study the situation before making any far- reaching decisions. I would therefore be most obliged if you would suspend the implementation of the Ministry of Health’s letter dated July 7, 2014, with reference no. MOH/OM/14.
Furthermore, it is important that in administering the hospital, the principles of accountability and transparency are adhered to.
You are, therefore, to take the necessary steps to urgently conclude the forensic audit of the Pharmacy Department.
May I take this opportunity to thank you and the Acting Chief Administrator for initiating this needful process of accountability, and to assure you that I will not relent in pursuing the truth in all aspects of Korle-Bu’s administration.
…Signed…
Hon. Dr. Kwaku Agyemang-Mensah, Minister of Health
By: Efua Idan Osam/citifmonline.com/Ghana
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