Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh is calling on District Chief Executives and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives to offer free accommodation and vehicles to medical doctors posted to rural communities.
He believes these incentives are necessary to address the long-standing challenge of health professionals declining postings to underserved areas—a situation he says continues to widen inequalities in access to quality healthcare.
The Minister made the appeal during a working tour of the Savannah Region on Friday November 21,2025, where he inspected health facilities and interacted with local authorities including His Royal Highness Yagbonwura Bi-kunuto Jewu Soale I and health workers.
Mr. Akandoh noted that while government continues to invest in infrastructure, equipment and workforce expansion, attracting and retaining qualified staff in rural districts remains a major obstacle.
Providing decent accommodation and reliable transportation, he said, would significantly improve the conditions under which doctors work in remote communities.
As part of the tour, the Minister paid a courtesy call on the Savannah Regional Minister, Salisu Be Awuribe, where he announced that the Savannah Region has been selected as one of three regions set to receive a new regional hospital.
The upcoming facility is expected to ease pressure on existing hospitals, strengthen referral systems and expand access to specialist care for residents across the enclave.
Mr. Akandoh also visited health training institutions and hospitals in Damongo, Bole and Salaga to assess service delivery, infrastructure needs and staffing challenges.
He emphasised that improving rural healthcare requires close collaboration between the Ministry and local government, especially in creating conditions that encourage health professionals to stay.
The Minister’s tour continues on with further engagements expected in Salaga as part of broader efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery in rural Ghana.
By Emmanuel Samani
