Dr Otchere Addai-Mensah, the immediate past Chief Executive Officer of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), has disclosed the pivotal role played by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, in securing his appointment as CEO in 2022.
Speaking in an interview on KBK Show hosted by Bright Kankam Boadu, Dr Addai-Mensah revealed that bureaucratic delays in his appointment process prompted the Asantehene’s intervention.
According to Dr Addai-Mensah, a letter recommending his appointment was sent on November 2, 2022, to the then-Minister of Health, who was to liaise with the KATH board for approval.
However, the process stalled as the minister’s directive to forward the letter to the board for action was delayed.
“From the 2nd, just for the minister to minute the letter and forward it to the board for the board to take action had become an issue,” he stated.
Otumfuo personally intervened, instructing, “Allow my grandson to go and perform his duty,” effectively pressuring authorities to finalise the appointment.
Dr Addai-Mensah credited this intervention for his eventual confirmation as CEO.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has a longstanding connection with KATH and has notably spearheaded the $10 million Heal Komfo Anokye Project (HeKAP) launched in November 2023 to renovate and modernise the hospital’s main blocks.
His commitment to the hospital’s development has been widely acknowledged, with significant upgrades to infrastructure reported by January 2025.
Dr Addai-Mensah’s tenure, which began on December 1, 2022, following his appointment by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, ended on May 2, 2025, when he was relieved of his duties.
The decision, communicated by the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, acknowledged his “unique commitment” to modernising KATH. A new CEO is expected to assume office soon.
During his time, Dr. Addai-Mensah oversaw key projects, including the execution of HeKAP, despite facing allegations of procurement breaches, which were denied by KATH management.
Watch the full interview below:
GA