The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has rejected claims that newly deployed medical officers are being punished by being posted to rural and underserved districts, insisting the exercise is a necessary measure to ensure equitable access to healthcare across the country.

Speaking to journalists in Parliament, Mr. Akandoh emphasised that the deployment prioritises communities where medical personnel are urgently needed, particularly in the Upper East and Upper West regions, where some facilities have gone months without a single doctor.

“This is not punishment; it is national service,” he said. “Doctors must be posted where they are needed most.

This is how we save lives and strengthen healthcare access for all Ghanaians.”

The Minister revealed that newly posted medical officers assigned to the two northern regions have been given a one-week deadline to report to their duty stations or officially validate their inability to do so.

He made it clear that the Ministry will not grant exceptions outside the established process.

Mr. Akandoh appealed to traditional leaders, Members of Parliament, district assemblies, and other local stakeholders to play an active role in welcoming and supporting the doctors to ensure they remain in their communities.

“Our chiefs, MPs, and local leaders must assist these doctors.

When they feel welcomed and supported, they stay longer and serve better,” he noted.

The Minister further assured that the government remains committed to providing incentive packages to enhance morale, especially for doctors deployed to deprived or hard-to-reach areas.

These incentives, he explained, are part of broader efforts to make rural postings more attractive and sustainable.

“Incentives are not handouts; they are tools to strengthen service.

Doctors serving in hard-to-reach areas deserve support, and the government is listening,” he said.

Mr. Akandoh expressed confidence that the newly deployed officers will honour their postings, describing the assignment as a crucial aspect of national duty.

“Ghana is counting on you. Serve where you are needed most,” he urged.