GMA President Urges Government to Implement Incentives as Doctors Decline Rural Postings

President of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), Professor Ernest Yorke, is calling on government to urgently roll out incentive packages and improve working conditions to encourage newly posted medical doctors to accept postings in deprived districts.

His concerns follow Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh’s decision to grant a one-week extension after a widespread refusal by doctors to take up their assignments. According to the Minister, the initial response was “deeply worrying,” with only three out of ten newly posted doctors reporting, and none showing up in the Upper East and Upper West regions as of November 28.

Prof. Yorke explained that although many young doctors are ready to serve, the lack of incentives, poor remuneration, and inadequate facilities continue to deter them from accepting rural postings. He described the situation as a “chicken-and-egg” dilemma, arguing that government must act decisively:

“There can be incentives to encourage sacrifice, or sacrifice can lead to incentives, but ideally, both should happen together,” he said. He encouraged doctors to honour their postings, while urging government to show greater appreciation for those who accept assignments in underserved areas.

Prof. Yorke stressed that postings to deprived communities should be accompanied by clear benefits, noting that this is standard practice in many countries. He revealed that the Ministry already has a Deprived Area Incentive policy, drafted by the GMA, which has yet to be put into full effect.

Beyond attracting personnel, he said the lack of appropriate medical infrastructure remains a major hurdle. He pointed to stalled facilities under Agenda 111 and called for partnerships with the private sector to complete them.

While reporting rates in Greater Accra, Central and Ashanti regions have been relatively positive, Prof. Yorke said the rest of the country continues to face severe shortages of medical staff.

He urged government to engage citizens and stakeholders in developing practical, long-term solutions to ensure quality healthcare reaches Ghana’s most underserved communities.