As the strike by doctors at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) enters its second day, the Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Abukari II, has stepped in as a mediator, deploying a high-ranking traditional delegation to help de-escalate tensions and restore critical healthcare services.
The move underscores the influential role of traditional authorities in national affairs, especially in moments of social or institutional crisis.
Led by Zangbalun Naa Dr. Yakubu II, Chief of the Zangbalun Traditional Area, the Yaa Naa’s emissaries held dialogue with hospital management and representatives of the Doctors Association of Tamale Teaching Hospital (DATTH).
Delivering a message on behalf of the King, Zangbalun Naa acknowledged the doctors’ grievances and expressed empathy for their concerns. However, he urged the medical professionals to reconsider the indefinite suspension of services, especially in areas that directly impact lives.
“We appeal to you to resume emergency and essential services while we work to facilitate a dialogue with the Ministry of Health. As a neutral party, the Yaa Naa is willing to help convey your concerns to the appropriate authorities,” the statement read.
Traditional Authority Seeks to Bridge Gap Between Doctors and State
The doctors’ industrial action, triggered by what they described as “unwarranted verbal attacks” from Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh and Tamale North MP Alhassan Suhuyini, has caused significant disruption at the regional referral hospital. Services at the Accident and Emergency Unit, as well as outpatient care, remain suspended, leaving patients and their families in distress.
The Yaa Naa’s involvement is seen as a welcome development by many observers, especially as efforts to address the root causes of the dispute have so far proven unsuccessful.
“As a traditional leader whose role includes the welfare of his people, His Royal Highness cannot look on while lives are at stake,” Zangbalun Naa emphasized. “This intervention is in the spirit of peace and reconciliation.”
Hospital Management Welcomes Royal Intervention
Representing the Acting CEO of TTH, Dr. Salifu Alhassan Tiah, Director of Pharmacy at the hospital, expressed gratitude for the Yaa Naa’s initiative and called on the striking doctors to consider the appeal with the utmost respect.
“The presence of the Yaa Naa’s delegation is a powerful gesture. We plead with our colleagues to receive their words in good faith and act in the best interest of our patients,” Dr. Tiah said.
The doctors’ association had earlier issued a statement condemning the conduct of the Health Minister during his recent visit to the hospital, which reportedly culminated in heated exchanges with hospital staff. In response, the group held an emergency meeting on April 23 and voted to suspend services indefinitely.
What’s Next?
With the Yaa Naa’s mediation now underway, attention turns to whether the government and the doctors will agree to a neutral dialogue platform. The traditional ruler’s promise to personally engage the Health Minister has raised hopes for a peaceful resolution.
As the situation evolves, many in the Northern Region see this as a defining moment—not only for labor relations within Ghana’s health sector—but for how traditional leadership continues to serve as a stabilizing pillar in national development.
