Nalerigu (NE/R), March 25, – The North East Region continues to face a severe shortage of medical personnel, with many officers declining postings, the Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr Godfred Kwabena Sarpong, has revealed.
He reported that of 19 doctors assigned to the region in 2025, only three accepted their postings, leaving critical gaps in healthcare delivery and threatening progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Dr Sarpong spoke at the 2025 Annual Performance Review Meeting and the first Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Nutrition (MNCHN) Dialogue in Nalerigu, held under the theme: “Advancing Universal Health Coverage through Innovation, Accountability and 24-Hour Quality Health Services: The Role of Stakeholders.”
He highlighted that infrastructure deficits, inadequate staff accommodation, and logistical challenges were discouraging doctors from serving in remote districts such as Mamprugu-Moaduri, Bunkpurugu-Nakpanduri, Chereponi, and Yunyoo-Nasuan. Only one of six district health directorates has a standard office complex, and several health workers live in substandard rented housing.
Dr Abdulai Abukari, Director for Special Duties at GHS headquarters, stressed the urgency of completing ongoing Agenda 111 projects and improving working conditions to encourage equitable distribution of health personnel.
North East Regional Minister, Mr Ibrahim Tia, assured that government initiatives like the Free Primary Health Care policy and Ghana Medical Trust Fund would improve recruitment and retention, alongside expanding CHPS compounds and equipping health facilities.
Stakeholders called for stronger collaboration between government, traditional leaders, communities, and development partners to bridge healthcare gaps in underserved districts.
GHBUSS
25 March 2026
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