Doctors in deprived areas jump from 12 to 100, Akandoh says tough postings are paying off, but gaps remain.
Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has disclosed that the number of medical doctors accepting postings to deprived communities in Ghana has risen significantly, increasing from only 12 last year to more than 100 in 2026.
He described the improvement as a major milestone in efforts to tackle persistent staffing shortages in underserved areas, although he acknowledged that many communities still do not have access to medical doctors.
Speaking at the 2026 Annual Conference of the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) in Koforidua, Mr. Akandoh noted that attracting healthcare professionals to rural communities remains one of the country’s most pressing healthcare challenges.
“Unfortunately, there are still districts in Ghana without a single medical doctor. Sometimes leadership requires difficult decisions. Not every decision will be popular, but the long-term benefits make those decisions worthwhile,” he stated.
