The Ghana Medical Association has called for sustained investment in emergency medicine infrastructure and the expansion of emergency care facilities across the country following recent concerns over congestion at the Accident and Emergency Centre of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.

In a statement issued on June 4, 2026, the Association said its assessment of the situation at KATH does not support claims that the hospital turned away emergency patients during the recent congestion crisis.

According to the GMA, engagements with KATH management, discussions with staff of the Accident and Emergency Centre, and a review of explanations provided by the hospital’s Medical Director indicate that the temporary measures introduced were intended to facilitate the redistribution of patients to peripheral health facilities while management addressed severe capacity constraints.

The Association noted that patient numbers at the facility had exceeded its designed capacity, necessitating urgent operational interventions to ensure patient safety and maintain quality care for critically ill patients already receiving treatment.

It further stated that a review of minutes from a meeting held by the Regional Health Directorate on June 2 suggested there had been deliberate and coordinated efforts to address the congestion challenges at the hospital.

The GMA expressed satisfaction that the situation at the Accident and Emergency Centre has improved significantly since the issue became public.

However, it stressed that the incident has exposed broader systemic challenges facing emergency healthcare delivery in Ghana.

The Association is therefore calling for increased investment in emergency medicine infrastructure, expansion of emergency care facilities, stronger referral systems, and improved resourcing of regional and district hospitals to enable them to manage emergency cases closer to patients’ communities effectively.

“Every Ghanaian, regardless of where they live, should have timely access to quality emergency medical care,” the statement said.

It added that strengthening emergency care capacity nationwide would reduce pressure on major referral hospitals and improve patient outcomes.

The GMA also commended doctors, nurses, emergency medicine specialists and other healthcare professionals at KATH and across the Ashanti Region for their efforts in maintaining patient care under difficult circumstances.

At the same time, the Association expressed concern about what it described as the negative picture created by a query letter from the Ministry of Health to the Chief Executive Officer of KATH.

According to the GMA, the contents of the letter appeared to suggest wrongdoing by the hospital’s management, a portrayal the Association believes may not accurately reflect the circumstances surrounding the congestion situation.

The Association expressed hope that ongoing engagements between the Chief Executive Officer of KATH and the Minister for Health would help strengthen emergency healthcare delivery and address the challenges highlighted by the incident.

It assured the public that it would continue monitoring developments and remains committed to supporting policies and interventions aimed at improving healthcare delivery and patient safety across the country.

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