The Ranking Member of Parliament’s Health Committee, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, was on Monday, 2 September 2024, prevented from conducting an unannounced inspection at the Department of Surgery at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH).

Mr.  Akandoh visited the hospital to investigate reports that emergency surgeries had been suspended in the surgical department due to malfunctioning elevators.

Upon arrival, Mr. Akandoh was confronted by Dr. Adu Aryee, head of the department, who challenged the MP’s authority to carry out the visit without prior notice.

"I don’t know you. Who are you? Do you have any letter introducing you? I have never met you in my life," Dr. Aryee questioned.

Mr. Akandoh attempted to clarify the purpose of his visit, stating: "I am a Member of Parliament. It has come to my attention that the lift at the surgical block is not working, so I have come to see it for myself."

After being blocked from the inspection, Mr. Akandoh addressed the media, expressing his frustration.

"It came to the attention of the public that Korle Bu has suspended indefinitely elective surgeries, and the reason they cited was as a result of faulty lifts. This morning, I decided to pay a surprise visit to see for myself," he explained.

Confirming the reports, Mr. Akandoh revealed: "Unfortunately, the lifts are not working. We are here at the department of surgery, and the lift at the department of surgery is not working. Information we have gathered is that some of the lifts have been down for the past four to five good years."

He criticised the hospital’s management, saying: "For me, it is rather unconscionable for a whole hospital, a teaching hospital such as Korle Bu, to derelict its duty for just maintaining a lift to facilitate the movement of patients to get the quality of healthcare they need."

Mr. Akandoh called on government and the Health Minister to address the issue urgently.

"They cannot suspend surgeries indefinitely. Within the next 24 hours, we must see the end of this unconscionable behaviour. We cannot accept that reason," he emphasised.