Bold claim: Almost one in four newly posted doctors aren’t showing up for duty, and that silence could undermine healthcare across vast regions. Here’s a clear, expanded rewrite of the situation and its implications.
The Ministry of Health, led by Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has responded to a troubling trend: recently assigned doctors are failing to report to their designated postings. Akandoh announced a one-week deadline for these medical officers to present themselves at their assigned facilities. He described the initial turnout as disappointing, revealing that roughly 70 percent of the newly posted doctors nationwide have not reported for duty. Regions facing severe staffing shortfalls—such as the Upper West and Upper East—had no arrivals as of November 28, 2025.
During a December 2, 2025 press briefing, Akandoh highlighted that the Upper West Region, which has an urgent need for medical personnel, has seen only 7 of the 32 doctors posted there report for duty. This shortfall puts the health needs of nearly one million people at heightened risk.
To address the issue, the minister stated that an additional week would be granted for doctors to report to their facilities. After this extension, the ministry will begin a validation process, but he emphasized that postings themselves would not be altered.
Akandoh also stressed that the ministry is actively engaging regional leaders to smooth the doctors’ transition. He said discussions are underway with regional ministers, Members of Parliament, District Chief Executives, and traditional authorities to support the doctors in their districts and enable them to perform optimally.
On incentives, the government has started conversations with affected doctors and is exploring options to encourage them to remain in the areas where their services are most needed. Akandoh underscored the unequal distribution of medical personnel, noting that nearly half of Ghana’s doctors are concentrated in Greater Accra. In response, the government plans to deploy doctors to regions with the greatest need.
The ministry has begun reaching out to the doctors via phone calls and electronic messages, while ongoing stakeholder engagement aims to secure housing and other essential accommodations for those relocated.
Akandoh added that he has personally discussed arrangements with stakeholders to ensure adequate housing and other necessities are in place.
Watch the accompanying video for more details.
Meanwhile, as the BBC relocates its Focus on Africa Podcast to Nairobi, GhanaWeb’s Etsey Atisu spoke with the host for an exclusive interview on The Lowdown. Watch it here.
