The Ministry of Health has admitted it was a mistake not to have issued a formal written notice to disgruntled out-going CEO of the Tamale Teaching Hospital Dr Prosper Akambong to pave way for his successor to take over.
“In fact it’s a mistake on our part; we thought we had sent such a letter to him. In fact we wanted him to have a letter first before the incoming also goes to the facility with his appointment letter that did not work out”. Public Relations Officer at the Health Ministry Robert Cudjoe has said.
Explanation
“What is happening is this, a new person Dr David Zaawumya has been appointed as the new CEO to take over from Dr Prosper and a letter was issued to the incoming CEO copied to the out-going CEO. Unfortunately the first thing should’ve been a letter even before that of the in-coming to the out-going to be aware of the fact that he is being released of his position. But that letter did not get to him but unfortunately the in-coming one’s letter has been copied to him”; Mr. Robert Cudjoe told XYZ News’ Joe Bright Nyarko.
Dr Akambong had contested his removal in the media accusing the Health Ministry of not properly terminating his contract which sources say was left with some 16 months to elapse. He had also indicated that he would only hand over after receiving an official letter from the Minister of Health indicating whether he had been reassigned or dismissed.
Mr Cudjoe further revealed that: “Because of this situation, he [Dr Akambong] said, no once he has not got any letter for himself, stating probably where he is going and few other things, he is not going”.
“We accept our mistake and apologize for that miss-communication”, he said and assured that latest by “Friday”, Dr Akambong would get his letter and hoped when he gets the letter the content, would be acceptable to him so he can hand over.
Clashes over Dr. Akolbila’s Appointment
While condemning the reported clashes between youth groups in the Northern regional NPP on June 12, 2017 over the appointment of the new CEO for the Tamale Teaching hospital, the PRO of the Health Ministry appealed to the youths to give Dr Akolbila the needed backing as a respect to the presidency.
Whereas one group, the Coalition of Dagbon Youth Groups in Tamale, was opposed to the appointment of Dr David Zaawumya Akolbila as the CEO, the Kandahar Boys were in support of his appointment.
Mr Cudjoe described the upheaval as unfortunate and should not have happened. He explained that “this is an appointment made by the President of the land…and at least per our constitution, we should give him all the necessary support”.
By: Joe Bright Nyarko
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