KATH Defends CEO Against Fund Misappropriation Allegations

The Management and staff of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) have mounted a strong defence in favour of their Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Prof Otchere Addai Mensah, in the face of claims that he has engaged in financial impropriety.

The CEO is accused of misappropriating funds and flouting the country’s procurement law on several occasions since his assumption of office in 2022 by the hospital’s former lawyer, Kwame Adofo.

In a petition to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Adofo who until December 2023 worked with the hospital called for the removal of Prof Addai Mensah.

According to the petition, the CEO has failed to account for some GHC300,000.00 he withdrew from the hospital’s account; involved in procurement breaches; misapplied HEAL KATH funds; claimed per diem for a private trip to Dubai, among others.

However, these have been disputed by the hospital’s Management and various unions.

The Management in a statement called the allegations unfounded.

“The management of the hospital wishes to state unequivocally that Mr Adofo’s petition is without merit and should, consequently, be dismissed outright as it is rigged with inaccuracies, misinterpretations and conjectures.”

According to them, Prof. Addai-Mensah has since his appointment performed with distinction and operated within his mandate and administrative powers to the admiration of the various stakeholders of the hospital.

It noted that his transformative drive within the short time he has been at post has not only helped to improve the operations of the hospital but also elevated its image through the enhancement of quality clinical care delivery, infrastructure upgrading and improved staff welfare among others, on a scale unmatched in the recent history of the hospital.

It added, “The management of the hospital wishes to reiterate that Prof. Addai-Mensah has more than delivered to expectation. His conduct has been exemplary, bold, visionary and above board. He is, therefore, more than ready and prepared for any probe into his stewardship of the hospital which, without any shred of doubt, can be said to have been sterling so far.”

Meanwhile the various unions in the hospital in a separate statement said the allegations are far from the character of the CEO.

“We, the Labour Unions in Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KADA, KAPA, GRNMA AND HSWU), stand in solidarity with the CEO and management of the hospital to continue their good works at KATH.”

“We recognize that the allegations against the CEO do not define his character and dedication to the well-being and development of the hospital.”