The embattled Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH), Dr. Prosper Akanbon has finally handed over to Dr. David Zaawumya Kolbila as new CEO of the facility, after a week of the standoff.

The new CEO took over office Monday, June 19th, 2017 with assurance to operate a new system of administration at the hospital.

He said as a new CEO taking over the administration of the facility, there would be a thorough assessment of the current situation and happenings at the hospital.

According to him, there were several monumental challenges facing the hospital, which needed to be addressed to make the TTH a true centre of excellence.

“It is possible some of the causes may arise because of how the hospital is managed, it could also be as a result of the conduct of some staff members. Therefore, we have to look at all these situations and resolve them ones and for all” he added.

Dr. Prosper Akanbon on Monday 12th June 2017 refused to hand over office to Dr. David Zawumya Kolbila, which resulted in some controversy.

A handing over ceremony which was getting to the climax was abruptly canceled after Dr. Akanbon had allegedly received a call from an unknown source. He then insisted that he could not hand over office to the new CEO because he was yet to receive a formal letter from the Ministry of Health suggesting he was dismissed or transferred to a different facility.

But his action angered some foot soldiers of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) who had come in their numbers to witness the ceremony and usher the new CEO into office.

They insisted on Dr. Prosper Akanbon to hand over immediately or incur their wrath, but for the timely intervention of the new CEO and the Special Aide of the Northern Regional Minister, Shani Bawumia.

Dr. Akambong’s administration came under intense pressure following allegations of prescription of expired drugs, looting of essential drugs by some Senior Doctors to stock their private hospitals and frequent shortage in oxygen supply among others.

This resulted in series of attacks, demonstrations, and criticisms especially from some vigilante groups of the NPP who at some point barricaded his office and handed over the keys to the Northern Regional police command.

It took the intervention of the Northern Regional Minister, Salifu Saeed and some chiefs in Tamale to get Dr. Akambong back to the office.

However, Dr. Akanbon has now officially handed over to Dr. Kolbila awaiting final handing over notes in two weeks.