The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has reaffirmed government’s decision to remove from the payroll all medical doctors who fail to report to their designated rural postings by the end of February 2026.
According to the Minister, the directive forms part of a broader strategy by the Ministry of Health to tackle the persistent shortage of health professionals in underserved districts across the country.
Mr. Akandoh disclosed that approximately 700 doctors were posted to various districts shortly after he assumed office. While many have complied and are currently working in their assigned locations, others have yet to report.
He explained that the Ministry provided timelines and support measures to ease their transition, including engagement with District Chief Executives (DCEs), Regional Directors, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders to secure suitable accommodation and allowances for the affected doctors.
Some regions, he noted, have already implemented these support arrangements.
The Minister stressed that it is unacceptable for doctors to continue receiving salaries without reporting to their assigned duty stations.
“If there are genuine concerns, they can be addressed,” he indicated. “But so far, no substantial justification has been presented.”
He emphasized that every part of the country deserves quality healthcare services, insisting that no region should be treated as less important.
Mr. Akandoh further revealed that any doctor who fails to report by the end-of-February deadline will have their name removed from the government payroll.
Vacancies created as a result will be re-advertised, and a new batch of doctors willing and ready to serve in rural communities will be recruited to fill those positions.
The Minister maintained that government’s priority is to ensure equitable distribution of healthcare personnel and improve access to medical services in deprived areas.
Story: Nyamebeye Kofi Ansah Sasraku