President of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), Professor Ernest Yorke, is calling for urgent government action to address the lack of incentives and inadequate facilities that continue to discourage newly posted doctors from accepting placements in deprived communities.
His concerns follow Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh’s decision to grant newly assigned doctors an extra week to report to their duty stations after what he described as an “alarming” nationwide refusal. According to the minister, only three out of ten newly posted doctors initially reported, with the Upper West and Upper East regions recording no arrivals as of November 28.
Speaking on Joy FM, Prof Yorke said many young doctors are willing to serve but are discouraged by poor remuneration, lack of incentives, and challenging working conditions in rural areas.
“This is a classic chicken-and-egg situation,” he said. “We are urging our members to continue sacrificing, but government must also show appreciation through the right incentives.”
He noted that the Ministry of Health already has a GMA-developed Deprived Area Incentive policy document, yet to be implemented, which outlines support packages for doctors who accept rural postings.
Prof Yorke added that limited opportunities for specialist training in these regions—often requiring doctors to pay substantial fees—further deter postings. He also stressed the urgent need for functional facilities, noting several unfinished Agenda 111 projects.
“It’s not just human resources. Doctors need proper facilities to work with. Can we partner with private entities to complete these hospitals?” he asked.
While posting acceptance rates are satisfactory in Greater Accra, Central, and Ashanti, Prof Yorke warned that much of the country remains underserved. He urged the government to engage the public and find pragmatic solutions to ensure deprived communities receive adequate medical care.