In an interview on Channel One TV’s The Big Issue, Ahiagbah voiced his frustration with Akandoh’s response to the strike. “He should have been gone. He must go.
He must go home leave the Ministry and go home. Completely unacceptable behaviour,” he stated.
Ahiagbah further questioned Akandoh’s competence, recalling his time as Ranking Member on the Health Committee.
He emphasized the minister’s contradictory actions, referencing how Akandoh had previously criticized his predecessor for similar issues but failed to manage the recent crisis effectively.
The strike, which disrupted healthcare services nationwide, was called off on June 13 after intense negotiations led by Parliament’s Health Committee.
Ahiagbah pointed out that Akandoh had received early warnings about the issue but failed to act on them.
“He assured nurses that their concerns would be addressed in the 2025 Budget, but he didn’t follow through,” he said.
Ahiagbah also criticized the allocation of funds, suggesting the government had “found all the fiscal space to allocate GH¢2.7 billion for compensation at the Jubilee House” while neglecting healthcare.
He was particularly scathing of Akandoh’s suggestion to recall retired nurses, calling it “reckless and insensitive.”
“People died because of his negligence. For that reason, he must be gone,” Ahiagbah concluded.