Read statement: Dismissed Korle-Bu CEO reappointed by new Health Minister

In a letter dated July 21, 2014, addressed to the Eddie Annan, Board Chairman of the hospital, and copied to the Executive Secretary to President John Mahama, Chief Director at the Ministry of Health and the Auditor-General, Dr. Agyemang-Mensah asked the board to suspend the implementation of Ms Ayittey’s directive.

Earlier this month, Ms Ayittey, before leaving office as Health Minister, directed the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital Board to revert Rev Okpoti Botchwey to his former position as a board member of the hospital.

Rev Okpoti Botchwey was made acting Chief Executive after the post became vacant following the compulsory retirement of Prof. Adwo Jectey Hesse, then acting CEO.

The then Health Minister asked the Korle Bu Board to appoint acting Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Samuel Asiamah, as the acting Chief Executive, pending the appointment of a substantive person to occupy the vacant CEO position to act in his (Rev Botchwey’s) stead.

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.They were also accused of spending more than Ghc1 million on luxury vehicles.

Among other issues, they also asked Rev Botchwey to return an Audi A6 to the dealers and a forensic audit conducted into the use of funds by him.

Rev Albert Okpoti Botchwey vehemently denied the allegations.

But the senior staff petitioned the President to intervene in the matter by possibly dismissing Rev. Botchwey and dissolving the board.

In her directive, the then Health Minister further asked the Board to ensure that Rev Albert Okpoti Botchwey hands over all property of the hospital in his possession, and provide comprehensive handing over notes to the board chair and copy same to her [Ms Ayittey] and the incoming acting Chief Executive, Dr Samuel Asiamah.

However, in a interesting turn of events, her orders have been reversed, weeks after President John Mahama removed her (Ms. Ayittey) as Health Minister in a recent ministerial reshuffle.

In the said letter, the new Health Minister indicated: “…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.”

Below is a copy of the new Health Minister, Dr Kweku Agyeman Mensah’s orders.

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