The refusal of newly deployed doctors to take up their postings has prompted the Minister of Health Kwabena Mintah Akandoh to issue a one-week ultimatum for them to report to their assigned facilities.

Akandoh described the initial turnout as “not encouraging,” disclosing that about 70 percent of newly posted medical officers nationwide have failed to report. Regions struggling with severe staffing gaps, including the Upper West and Upper East, had no arrivals as of November 28, 2025.

Speaking to journalists on December 2, 2025, he disclosed that the Upper West Region, which urgently needs personnel, has seen only 7 of the 32 doctors posted there show up, leaving the healthcare needs of nearly one million people at risk.

80% of doctors posted to Upper West didn't show up for duty

“We will give them an additional week to report to the facilities where they’ve been posted. After that, we’ll move into validation,” he said, insisting that the postings will not be changed.

He added that the ministry is in talks with leaders in those regions to help make the doctors’ transition easier. “We are engaging regional ministers, MPs, DCEs and traditional authorities to support them in their districts so they can give their best,” he noted.

On incentives, the minister said government has started discussions with the affected doctors and is exploring ways to encourage them to stay in the areas where their services are needed most.

He also expressed worry over the uneven distribution of medical personnel, pointing out that almost half of the doctors in Ghana are concentrated in Greater Accra.

“That’s why the government has decided to deploy officers to areas with the greatest need,” he explained.

He further noted that the ministry has begun contacting the doctors through calls and electronic messages, while stakeholder engagement continues to secure support such as accommodation.

“I have personally spoken to stakeholders to make arrangements, including housing and other essentials,” he added.

Watch the video below:

Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh bemoans newly posted doctors' refusal to report to post, gives them one week to do so.#JoyNews pic.twitter.com/csp7IiFY0M

— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) December 2, 2025