Akufo-Addo withdraws appointment of Baffour Awuah as GHS Director General

President Akufo-Addo has withdrawn his choice for director-general of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr. Baffour Awuah, amid criticism that the radiation oncologist was not qualified.

Though no reasons have been given to the decision, critics especially some doctors at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital have questioned his political affiliation.

The doctors perceived to be New Patriotic Party (NPP) members labeled Dr. Awuah as a staunch member of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), adding that his appointment could ruin the ruling party’s chances ahead of next year’s polls.

In a letter dated November 5, 2019, and signed by Executive Secretary to the President, Nana Asante Bediatuo, Dr. Awuah was expected to head the GHS in an acting capacity “… pending receipt of the constitutionally required advice of the governing board of the Service, given in consultation with the Public Services Commission.”

He replaced Dr. Anthony Nsiah Asare who has since been re-assigned to the presidency.

Dr. Awuah confirmed the new development to Accra-based Joy FM.

Source: J. Ofori, Daily Mail GH