KATH CEO committed to fixing audit infractions
By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Dr (Med) Paa Kwesi Baidoo, has vowed to implement stringent corrective measures to address audit infractions that led to the hospital’s recent appearance before Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
Dr Baidoo, who recently assumed office, said that although the audit findings predated his tenure, he is fully committed to rectifying the identified weaknesses and implementing long-term reforms to prevent a recurrence.
“I inherited all the infractions contained in the audit report laid before the committee, but I am fully committed to rectifying them and pursuing additional measures during my tenure to improve the operations of the hospital,” Dr Baidoo stated.
He emphasised that soon after assuming leadership, he made it clear to management and staff that key priorities would include intensifying operational and systems reforms, optimising revenue generation, reducing waste, and containing costs.
As part of his strategy to ensure financial discipline and accountability, Dr Baidoo said he has issued firm directives to all directors and line managers at KATH to adhere strictly to best management practices and institute rigorous compliance systems that meet statutory, regulatory, and audit standards.
He warned that any director or line manager whose negligence or misconduct results in future audit infractions would be held personally responsible.
“I am determined to ensure the right steps and systems are pursued to resolve the breaches which preceded my assumption of office and implement new controls to prevent their recurrence,” he stressed.
During the recent PAC sitting, KATH management was questioned on a number of audit issues, including unearned salaries, payroll management lapses, and asset registration irregularities.
Dr Baidoo assured Parliament and the public that the hospital has already begun taking steps to address these concerns.
He disclosed that an internal review team has been established to monitor compliance and follow through on all audit recommendations.
He reaffirmed his commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in the hospital’s operations, stressing that KATH, as a leading tertiary health institution, must serve as a model of efficiency and integrity in public sector management.
