Politics, Pressure & Patients: The True Story Behind Tamale’s Health Crisis

The Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) is once again in the headlines, and not for the right reasons.

With the recent dismissal of its CEO by the Minister of Health, many hoped this was the beginning of change.

But beneath the surface lies a more troubling reality—this is far from the first time such a move has been made, and history suggests it may not be the last.

This latest shake-up has sparked frustration among many in Tamale and across Ghana. The dismissal of a CEO is often seen as a dramatic fix—but in truth, it’s just a temporary bandage.

TTH, a hospital meant to deliver highly specialized care, is overwhelmed with basic cases it shouldn’t even be handling. Why? Because the surrounding healthcare system is barely functioning.

From under-equipped district hospitals to non-existent referral systems, the cracks in the northern health corridor are deep. The result? TTH is stretched beyond its limits, with both patients and healthcare workers bearing the brunt.

And then there’s the issue no one wants to talk about—political and tribal interference. At TTH, top appointments are too often made based on connections, not qualifications.

There have even been cases of CEOs being forced out by political youth groups, backed by powerful local figures. All of this has made it difficult to build a stable, functional healthcare institution.

But it’s not just the leadership. While some health workers rise to the challenge every day with courage and professionalism, others have been accused of neglect and poor ethics—leaving patients frustrated and sometimes harmed.

Still, there is hope.

There are doctors, nurses, and staff at TTH who keep showing up, who keep saving lives, even in broken conditions. They are the heart of the hospital, and they deserve better.

The call now is for a real “reset.” Not just sacking another CEO or issuing another press release, but asking the hard questions: Why is Tamale still without a strong regional hospital? Why isn’t there a functioning referral system? When will we stop rewarding loyalty over competence?

If we want change, we must fix the system—not just the symptoms. Let’s not delete what works at TTH. Let’s build on it and finally give Tamale the healthcare it deserves.