The Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) in Ghana is embroiled in a deepening controversy surrounding Miss Bernice Ofosu, the former Executive Assistant to the ousted CEO, Dr. Opoku Ware Ampomah, and current Head of the Policy Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation (PPME) Unit. Staff discontentment simmers beneath the surface, fueled by allegations of Miss Ofosu’s complicity in the previous administration’s alleged mistreatment of employees and questionable practices during her tenure as PPME Head. The hospital’s failure to produce performance reports, coupled with whispers of financial mismanagement and improperly awarded contracts, paints a picture of an institution grappling with transparency and accountability issues. The demand for a thorough investigation into Miss Ofosu’s activities resonates through the hospital’s corridors, as staff seek to hold those responsible for the alleged dysfunction accountable.
The crux of the issue stems from the perception that Miss Ofosu, a midwife by profession, enabled the alleged dehumanizing treatment of staff under Dr. Ampomah’s leadership. The former CEO’s tenure was reportedly marked by an environment of fear and intimidation, where dissenting voices were silenced, and staff faced belittling and insults during official meetings. Though Dr. Ampomah’s contract was not renewed following union pressure, Miss Ofosu’s continued presence at KBTH serves as a constant reminder of the previous administration’s perceived transgressions. Staff argue that her continued employment, particularly in a leadership role, undermines the institution’s efforts to move forward and rebuild trust.
Adding fuel to the fire are allegations of irregularities surrounding Miss Ofosu’s appointment as Deputy Director of the PPME Unit. The job requirements were allegedly altered to accommodate her qualifications, raising suspicions of favoritism and potentially undermining the meritocratic principles of the Civil Service. The alleged manipulation of the recruitment process not only raises questions about Miss Ofosu’s suitability for the role but also casts a shadow over the integrity of the hospital’s hiring practices. Furthermore, her alleged lack of the requisite experience for the position underscores the perception that her appointment was driven by factors other than merit.
The concerns surrounding Miss Ofosu extend beyond her appointment to encompass her performance as Head of the PPME Unit. Under her leadership, the unit has been accused of failing to deliver on its core mandate, including the oversight of the hospital’s strategic plan. The absence of mid-term assessments and implementation reports raises concerns about the effective utilization of resources and the hospital’s progress towards its stated goals. Moreover, the hospital’s failure to publish statutory performance reports since 2021 further compounds the issue, creating an environment of opacity and hindering accountability.
A particularly troubling allegation centers on a supposed audit of the hospital’s Health Information Management System, allegedly initiated by the PPME Unit. The near disbursement of funds for an audit that seemingly never took place raises serious concerns about potential financial impropriety. The fact that key departments, including Finance and IT, were reportedly unaware of the audit deepens suspicions of misconduct and points towards a potential breakdown in internal controls. This incident underscores the need for a thorough investigation to determine the facts and hold those responsible accountable.
The staff at KBTH are demanding decisive action from the hospital’s management. They are calling for the revocation of Miss Ofosu’s appointment and her reassignment to a different role, viewing her continued presence in a leadership position as an impediment to the hospital’s healing process. Furthermore, the demand for a forensic audit into her tenure reflects a deep-seated desire for transparency and accountability. The staff’s call for action underscores the importance of addressing these concerns to restore trust within the institution and ensure its effective functioning. The ongoing situation at KBTH highlights the critical need for strong governance, transparency, and accountability within public institutions to safeguard against potential abuses of power and ensure the effective delivery of services.
