The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has raised alarm over the low number of medical doctors reporting for duty in the Oti Region, describing the situation as worrying for healthcare delivery in the area.
Speaking during a working visit to the region, the minister revealed that out of 25 doctors posted to Oti in 2025, only two have so far reported.
He rejected claims that postings to rural and underserved areas amount to punishment, stressing that such deployments are a necessary call to duty to ensure equitable access to healthcare across the country.
Mr Akandoh said the Ministry of Health will not alter postings outside the approved process, insisting that doctors must serve in areas where vacancies exist. However, he acknowledged the need to address the challenges discouraging health workers from accepting rural postings, including poor living conditions and lack of incentives.
He therefore called on Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives in the region to provide decent accommodation and incentives to help attract and retain health professionals.
The minister also noted that Oti remains one of the most deprived regions based on key health indicators and underscored the need for urgent interventions.
During the visit, he inspected the proposed site for the Oti Regional Hospital and announced that the 2026 budget has made provision for the construction of three new regional hospitals in the Oti, Savannah and Western North regions, with Oti expected to be among the first to begin construction, subject to the completion of land documentation and the resolution of any related legal issues.