Professor Okyere Addai Mensah, the outgoing Chief Executive Officer of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), delivered an emotional farewell address at an official handing-over ceremony on May 5, 2025. His tenure, marked by difficult decisions aimed at strengthening the hospital’s systems, concluded with the appointment of Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo as the new CEO by President John Dramani Mahama. Professor Mensah reflected on the challenges he faced, acknowledging the strained relationships and lost friendships that resulted from his commitment to enforcing rules and regulations. He emphasized that his actions were driven solely by the desire to establish a robust and respectable system for the hospital, a goal that required difficult choices, including suspensions for disciplinary infractions. While expressing regret for the personal cost, he affirmed that he would make the same decisions again, reiterating the inherent sacrifices involved in pursuing institutional improvement.
Professor Mensah’s farewell address was not solely focused on the difficulties he encountered. He expressed deep gratitude to the staff, management, board members, and other stakeholders who contributed to the successes achieved during his leadership. Recognizing the importance of continuity and collaborative effort, he urged the hospital staff to extend their full support to the incoming CEO, Dr. Baidoo. He emphasized that the progress and well-being of KATH depend on the collective commitment and dedication of everyone involved, transcending individual roles and responsibilities. This call for unity underscores the collaborative nature of institutional growth and the importance of shared vision in achieving common goals.
Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo, the incoming CEO, acknowledged the significant legacy left by Professor Mensah and the inherent challenges in succeeding such a dedicated leader. He described stepping into “huge shoes,” a metaphor highlighting the weight of responsibility and the high standards set by his predecessor. However, he expressed confidence in his ability to navigate these challenges, drawing strength from the evident willingness of the staff and partners to collaborate and support his leadership. This collaborative spirit within KATH offers a strong foundation for Dr. Baidoo to build upon as he embarks on his new role.
Dr. Baidoo’s address emphasized his commitment to building on Professor Mensah’s achievements. He recognized the outgoing CEO’s dedication and impact, pledging to emulate his commitment to excellence and strive to further enhance KATH’s standing. This commitment to continuity suggests a smooth transition of leadership and reinforces the hospital’s dedication to its core values and ongoing development. By acknowledging the significance of Professor Mensah’s work, Dr. Baidoo set a tone of respect and collaboration, paving the way for a unified approach to future challenges and opportunities.
The handover ceremony marked a significant transition for KATH, with Professor Mensah reflecting on a tenure characterized by difficult yet necessary decisions, and Dr. Baidoo expressing his readiness to embrace the challenges ahead. The event highlighted the complexities of leadership in a large institution like KATH, emphasizing the need for unwavering commitment, difficult choices, and the crucial role of collaboration in achieving institutional success. The exchange between the outgoing and incoming CEOs demonstrated a shared vision for the hospital’s future, setting the stage for a continued pursuit of excellence in patient care, research, and overall institutional growth.
The contrasting emotions of the day – the bittersweet farewell of a dedicated leader and the hopeful anticipation of a new era – underscore the dynamic nature of institutional leadership. Professor Mensah’s emphasis on system-building, even at a personal cost, highlights the long-term vision required for sustainable improvement. Meanwhile, Dr. Baidoo’s acknowledgement of his predecessor’s contributions and his focus on collaboration signal a commitment to building upon the foundation laid during Professor Mensah’s tenure. This transition embodies the cyclical nature of leadership, where each successive leader builds upon the work of those who came before, ensuring the continued growth and evolution of the institution.
