In a development that exposes the growing reluctance among newly posted doctors to accept rural assignments, Dr. Ama Antwiwaa Adu-Appiah has distinguished herself as the only medical officer currently serving at the district level in the Upper East Region.
Out of 27 doctors assigned to the region this year, only seven reported for duty. Two later left after their requests to be reassigned to the regional hospital in Bolgatanga were denied, while four are now serving at the regional facility. The only doctor who chose to remain at a district hospital is Dr. Adu-Appiah, now stationed at Paga Hospital in the Kassena-Nankana West District near the Burkina Faso border.
Her decision runs counter to a clear trend: preference for urban postings over rural service, even in regions struggling with limited access to healthcare.
Dr. Adu-Appiah credits her choice to strong mentorship and guidance from the regional health directorate, which she says gave her the confidence to embrace the rural assignment rather than resist it. She also views the posting as an opportunity to further her education while gaining valuable hands-on experience.
“Initially, accommodation was a challenge,” she admitted. “But that was resolved early on, and I have no regrets about my decision.”
Speaking from Paga, Dr. Adu-Appiah urged her fellow doctors to reconsider their stance on rural postings. She emphasized that underserved communities urgently need medical professionals and that declining postings only deepens healthcare disparities.
Her example highlights a broader issue within Ghana’s health sector — the persistent imbalance in the distribution of medical personnel between urban centers and deprived districts.
While many seek comfort and convenience, Dr. Adu-Appiah’s choice underscores a different approach: service first, comfort later.
Story: Nyamebeye Kofi Ansah Sasraku