Health Minister Kwaku Agyemang-Manu has justified the decision to remove Dr Thomas Anaba as Medical Director of the Ridge Hospital.

According to Mr Agyemang-Manu, the controversial decision was taken after the completion of the first phase of renovation works of the hospital.

It will be recalled that Dr Anaba, after his removal as head of the facility, filed a suit challenging the basis of his dismissal.

Answering a question posed by MP for Wa West Joseph Yieleh Chireh in parliament on Thursday, 9 November on the matter, the Minister said Dr Anaba was not contracted as a permanent CEO and was drawing salary from the University of Development Studies.

The minister said Dr Anaba was relieved from his position to enable him resume duties at his permanent office at the University of Development Studies (UDS).

“He had not resigned from the University of Development Studies, he still had his job waiting for him.

“Therefore, the Ghana Health Service could not have contained him when we have completed and we are trying to operationalise the facility and we needed a CEO who will be there permanently for us,” Mr Agyemang-Manu said.