The Chairman of Parliament’s Health Committee, Mark Kurt Nawaane, has sparked debate after telling medical professionals who feel overwhelmed by the demands of their work that they should consider stepping aside rather than compromise patient care.
His remarks come in the wake of a parliamentary investigation into the death of engineer Charles Amissah, a case that has renewed concerns about emergency healthcare delivery and professional accountability within Ghana’s health system.
Speaking on May 7, 2026, Nawaane said doctors and other health workers must uphold ethical standards at all times, even under pressure.
“If you are a medical professional and you are tired of the work, you probably have to… you can resign. I’m telling you, Ghana will survive. If you are ready to work there are ethics,” he stated.
The comments followed the submission of a report by a three-member investigative committee led by Agyeman Badu Akosah. The committee reportedly recommended disciplinary measures against several health workers over their handling of Amissah’s medical emergency.
Nawaane, who also serves as the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for Nabdam, commended the committee for what he described as a more direct and transparent approach to accountability.
“Immediately we started and mentioned medical negligence and even started coming up with names, and I said thank God, this is a step forward,” he said.
According to him, previous investigations into similar incidents often focused on institutional failures while avoiding personal responsibility.
“Now we are saying that it is beyond just a facility. It is the individuals,” he added.
The Health Committee chairman also reminded doctors of the importance of collaboration and professional conduct, urging practitioners to seek assistance when faced with challenges beyond their capacity.
“If you are ready to work, please, there are ethics. If you can’t do something, you call your colleague doctor, your senior doctor,” he said.
The committee’s findings are expected to inform further action by the appropriate health authorities as scrutiny over standards of medical care continues to grow.
