…Youth Gives 7-Day Ultimatum to MoH and GHS to Transfer Him
Credible information reaching this news outlet indicates that the Medical Director of the Eastern Regional Hospital, Dr. Arko Akoto-Ampaw, is currently under intense pressure amid mounting accusations of wrongdoing and mismanagement.
At a crowded press conference held in Koforidua on Friday, November 7, 2025, a youth group known as the Concerned Youth of the Reset Agenda, aligned with President John Dramani Mahama’s “Reset Agenda” policy, issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to transfer Dr. Akoto-Ampaw from his current post.
The group warned that failure by the authorities to act swiftly on the matter would compel them to “enforce the President’s reset agenda” to normalize the situation at the hospital.
Clad in red armbands, the angry youth accused the Medical Director of overstaying his tenure, citing his “over six-year” stay in the position as unlawful and detrimental to the hospital’s progress. They argued that Dr. Akoto-Ampaw’s continued stay violates a directive from the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service that mandates periodic transfers for all medical directors to ensure accountability and leadership renewal.
According to the group, although Dr. Akoto-Ampaw was granted a three-month grace period to relocate his family before taking up his transfer, that period expired long ago — yet he continues to occupy the position.
“In the spirit of injecting new faces and energy into the health system, the Director-General of the GHS effected a general transfer of all medical directors nationwide,” the group stated. “However, Dr. Akoto-Ampaw has deliberately refused to comply with this lawful directive.”
They further noted that following the release of the original postings, a subsequent letter re-assigned the officer initially posted to replace Dr. Akoto-Ampaw to the Hohoe Government Hospital, creating confusion about the implementation of the transfer directive.
The group claimed that the matter was discussed at a meeting at the Director-General’s office, where it was agreed that Dr. Akoto-Ampaw would remain at post for only three months before moving on. They insist that his continued presence is now unlawful and unacceptable.
“Every Director who serves more than a year at a facility must be transferred to ensure accountability,” the group emphasized. “Dr. Akoto-Ampaw should voluntarily comply or face lawful eviction.”
They added that the delay in enforcing the directive risks undermining trust, morale, and efficiency within the regional health administration.
The youth alleged that Dr. Akoto-Ampaw has been lobbying influential persons to retain his position, boasting that the current Director-General, who serves in an acting capacity, cannot remove him. They claimed he has “powerful backers” protecting his stay.
The group also alleged financial improprieties and mismanagement under his leadership, including questionable procurement practices, missing hospital items, and the misuse of funds.
“Reports from staff indicate that artisans paid by government for maintenance work are bypassed, with contracts sublet to his associates to inflate costs for personal gain,” the group alleged. “There are even reports of missing air conditioners and misappropriated food items meant for patients.”
They criticized what they described as Dr. Akoto-Ampaw’s misplaced priorities, accusing him of sponsoring his own legal education with hospital funds while the facility’s emergency and triage units suffer shortages of beds and basic consumables.
“Which policy in the Ghana Health Service authorizes a course of study unrelated to the service and funded by hospital resources?” the group questioned, adding that their claims are verifiable.
The youth said their patience is running out and that any further delay in addressing the matter will be viewed as complicity by the authorities.
“We assure all concerned that the youth will resist this by every lawful means necessary. Any covert dealings between him and persons in power will soon be exposed,” the group warned.
They further called on President John Mahama, the Eastern Regional Minister, and the Minister of Health to intervene immediately to restore confidence and ensure adherence to the transfer directive.
“This issue is widely known by leadership at all levels — from the Presidency, Parliament, and Ministerial offices. It is time to act,” they declared.
