Tension Brews at KATH...As Minister of Health Approves In Controversial Circumstances Re-engagement Of Former CEO As Staff.

Kwaku Agyemang Manu, Health Minister

The Minister for Health, Kwaku Agyeman Manu is reported to have in a letter granted approval to the former Chief Executive Officer of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Dr Oheneba Owusu-Danso a further three years extension to work as staff and surgeon at the Premier health facility in Ashanti.

However, a source at the facility told this reporter that the current Management has not requested for the services of the Septuagenerian in any way.

The source wondered why the Minister was bent on forcing the former CEO on KATH despite the institution having a new Chief Executive who has so far worked to the admiration of both Management and staff.

Our source says the controversial news of the re-engagement of the former CEO is stirring up an uneasy calm at the top management level with some questioning how the Minister could take a decision without their involvement.

Investigations:
Meanwhile, some information gleaned by this reporter point to the current Medical Director and the Board Chairman as two persons who hatched the plot for the return of the former CEO as Member of staff under contract.

The Medical Director is reported to have written the letter under the instruction of the Board Chairman when it became apparent that the “returnee” CEO did not get an extension of his position having served under similar contract terms.

A source also hinted that the Board Chairman after realising that another protégé of his, Kwadwo Sarbeng had not gotten the appointment as substantive CEO used same person who is Medical Director to write to request for the re-engagement of Dr Oheneba Owusu Danso for reasons best known to the two.

The source stressed that this controversial letter was sent to the Chief of Staff when the Board Chair and Medical Director knew that President Akufo-Addo had approved the appointment of Professor Otchere Addai-Mensah as substantive CEO for KATH in the first week of November.

Issues:
Since Monday, groups such as the Asante Youth Association (AYA) and some media practitioners have been wondering who may have authored the letter to the Chief of Staff and copied the Health Minister requesting for the services of the former CEO.

This is because no member of the current Management with the exception of the Medical Director knew the “arm-twisting” tactics.

Call on Minister:
On Monday, listeners on Abusua Fm morning show which is hosted by the veteran Kojo Marfo called on the Minister of Health to produce the letter which asked for the services of Oheneba Owusu Danso to the public.

They want to know who requested for and signed the letter.

Surprisingly, the former CEO has since his retirement taken all emoluments due him including some controversial allowances advanced to him under the instructions of the Board Chairman.

This portal would update readers of the happenings at KATH as some groups threaten to block the re-engagement of Oheneba Owusu-Danso at the facility citing sinister plans by the Board Chairman to undermine the work of the current CEO.

Story By Michael Ofosu-Afriyie, Kumasi.