A surprise visit by the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, to the Tamale Teaching Hospital in the Northern Region on Monday erupted into a heated confrontation with staff, highlighting the facility’s ongoing challenges with non-functional basic medical equipment.

The unannounced inspection was aimed at assessing service delivery and infrastructure at the Northern Region’s premier referral hospital.

However, tensions flared when the Minister discovered that several critical machines—including ventilators at the emergency unit, diagnostic and sterilisation equipment, MRI scans, among others —were not operational.

Visibly frustrated, the Minister condemned the situation as “an unacceptable state of neglect,” questioning why patients were being referred to private facilities for routine medical services.

“A life has been lost—that’s why this must be exposed. What do you mean it shouldn't be blown out?” the Minister charged during the exchange.

“Your mindset might be the reason these issues persist. I want you to highlight the problems so they receive attention, not downplay them.”

Hospital staff, attempting to clarify their stance, responded: “We’re not saying it shouldn’t be exposed. You’re not understanding us. We need an honest discussion of the issues. That’s why we’re trying to engage.”

The exchange occurred following the death of a patient last week, which was caused by the lack of a ventilator. The minister's effort to question about the incident led to an encounter with a staff member.