By Love Wilhelmina Abanonave
Former Member of Parliament for Anyaa Sowutuom, Dickson Adomako Kissi, has claimed that Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh’s visit to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital was staged, with numerous cameras present.
According to the former MP, if the minister had intended to genuinely assess the “no bed syndrome” situation, he would not have gone with a media team.
“I say with the greatest respect that even if it is an impromptu visit, you do not go there with a camera facing you. I mean, this is a celebratory stunt,” he said.
Speaking on the GTV Breakfast Show on March 24, Dr Kissi added that Ghana’s healthcare system is facing critical challenges, with many cases escalating into emergencies due to delayed medical attention. He noted that some women often delay seeking medical help, even when experiencing symptoms such as bleeding, opting instead to self-diagnose or postpone treatment.
He further stressed that the healthcare system is under pressure due to the emigration of doctors and nurses seeking better working conditions abroad.
His comments follow reports of a “no bed syndrome” at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where patients were allegedly forced to lie on the floor due to a shortage of beds. A viral video showing patients receiving treatment on the floor sparked public outrage and prompted a visit by the Health Minister.
Hospital management initially denied the claims, stating that although there had been an increase in emergency cases, no patients were treated on the floor.
However, the Korle Bu Doctors Association (KODA) confirmed that the video was authentic and reflected conditions at the facility.
During his visit on March 22, 2026, Mr Akandoh said the government plans to establish a National Integrated Bed Management and Referral Coordination System to provide real-time information on bed availability and improve emergency referrals.
