The Member of Parliament for Akim Oda, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, has strongly criticised the government for what he described as a poor and unsatisfactory approach to posting newly qualified doctors across Ghana, highlighting concerns that the current handling of the situation could weaken the country’s healthcare delivery.
Acquah, who is also a member of parliament’s Health Committee, made the comments during an interview on a local news programme where he noted that the government’s strategy for assigning doctors to different regions — particularly rural areas — has not been effective and may even backfire if not improved. He warned that the issues stem from limited incentives, poor working conditions and a lack of meaningful engagement with the doctors involved.
The MP stressed that many young doctors are reluctant to accept postings to rural and less developed areas because the conditions there do not support their needs professionally or personally. Acquah said that without better incentives or opportunities, the government runs the risk of losing these medical professionals to private hospitals, which are ready to absorb them given the frustrations expressed by many in the public health sector.
He explained that some doctors are already being drawn to private practice or urban settings due to advantages such as financial benefits, multiple work engagements and better infrastructure, which are lacking in many rural facilities. The MP believes this trend could worsen the healthcare gap between urban centres and underserved communities.
Acquah also pointed out that the removal of certain allowances and inadequate financial support have placed additional strain on doctors posted to difficult locations. He said that in some cases, doctors are even spending out of their own pockets to purchase supplies for patients because public facilities lack essential resources.
While emphasising the importance of constructive dialogue, the MP cautioned against approaches that apply pressure without addressing underlying issues. He noted that threats or ultimatums are not solutions and urged the government to engage meaningfully with healthcare professionals to find sustainable and fair solutions.
The comments by the Akim Oda MP come amid broader public and professional concern about the retention of medical personnel, especially in rural and underserved areas of Ghana, where access to quality healthcare remains a persistent challenge.
