The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has clarified reports of congestion at the Accident and Emergency Centre of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), saying the facility did not turn away emergency patients but implemented temporary measures to manage high patient numbers.

In a statement signed by its President, Prof. Ernest Yorke, and General Secretary, Dr. Richard Selormey, the Association said it had engaged hospital management and reviewed explanations and regional health meeting records concerning the situation.

The GMA said its assessment indicated that the measures introduced were aimed at redistributing patients to peripheral health facilities within the Ashanti Region to ease pressure on the emergency unit.

It noted that the hospital had been operating beyond its intended capacity, requiring urgent operational adjustments to ensure continued care for critically ill patients.

According to the Association, minutes from a 2 June meeting by the Regional Health Directorate showed that interventions had been agreed to address the congestion.

The GMA said the situation at the emergency centre has since improved significantly.

While welcoming the improvement, it warned that the incident reflects broader structural challenges in Ghana’s emergency healthcare system.

The Association called for increased investment in emergency care infrastructure, expansion of facilities, stronger referral systems, and improved capacity at regional and district hospitals.

“The GMA emphasizes that every Ghanaian, regardless of where they live, should have timely access to quality emergency medical care,” the statement said.

It commended healthcare workers at KATH and across the Ashanti Region for managing the situation under difficult conditions.

However, the Association also expressed concern over the tone of a query letter issued to the hospital’s Chief Executive, suggesting it implied wrongdoing by management.

The GMA said it hoped ongoing discussions between the Health Minister and hospital leadership would lead to constructive solutions rather than punitive action.