Member of Parliament for Akim Oda, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, has cautioned government against what he described as a heavy-handed approach to the posting of newly qualified doctors to rural areas, warning that poor engagement could push them into the private sector.
His comments come at a time of growing tension over the deployment of young doctors across the country.
Meanwhile, concerns have been raised about morale, retention and the persistent disparity between healthcare delivery in urban and rural communities.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Monday, February 23, 2026, the MP said the matter must be approached objectively and with proper consultation.
“As the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) representative said, we have to look at it dispassionately,” he stated.
Acquah, who operates private health facilities, indicated that the private sector is already positioning itself to attract dissatisfied young doctors.
“I operate private facilities, and I can tell you, there are a lot of offers for some of these young doctors,” he affirmed.
He warned that if government fails to engage the doctors effectively and create attractive conditions within the public health system, many could turn to alternative opportunities in the private sector.
“And so, if you do not handle them well and engage them and find means of getting them into the public facilities, it becomes easier for the private sector to absorb them,” he said.
According to him, the attraction is even stronger in major cities where private facilities can offer more flexibility and financial benefits.
“It becomes easier for the private sector in the urban centres to absorb them, and that will give them a lot of other advantages. They can decide to sign on two or three other facilities,” he added.
Acquah further argued that rural postings often come with limited incentives and difficult working conditions, making them less appealing.
“But if you push them to the rural facilities where there are no facilities that can offer them an opportunity for a locum, you know, which is something that everybody knows that the doctors have. So, [it discourages them],” he said.
He also raised concerns about financial challenges doctors face, including the cancellation of additional duty allowances.
“… you know, if you engage the doctors, some will tell you, sometimes they have to take money out of their pockets [to aid patients],” he noted.
“They are not making any extra money in the places you have put them, but they do so because they want to take care of our folks. They have to go [all out], I mean, beyond all means, to find money to buy blood, to do other essential things for the patient,” he added.
Acquah further criticised what he described as threats to remove doctors from government payroll if they refuse postings.
“This is about the second time the minister is [saying] that if they don’t go, we’ll cut them off government payroll,” he stated.
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Source:
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