In a bid to address pressing challenges within Ghana’s healthcare sector, the Minister of Health, Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has proposed a new set of incentives aimed at improving the conditions of health workers, especially those in rural areas.
The call for increased benefits came during a courtesy visit from the High Commissioner of Barbados to Ghana, Juliette Byone-Sutherland, on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
During the meeting, Mr. Akandoh highlighted the need for additional funding to strengthen the country’s healthcare system and ensure the successful implementation of critical healthcare initiatives.
He explained that health workers, particularly those serving in remote and underserved regions, face unique challenges that hinder their ability to provide quality care.
To address these challenges, the Minister proposed a comprehensive package of incentives, including an additional 20% increase in the basic salaries of health workers, quicker promotions to acknowledge their hard work, and scholarships for further training and education.
Mr. Akandoh also suggested that study leave with pay be introduced as a means to support the professional development of health workers while encouraging them to remain in rural areas.
He noted that the shortage of health professionals in remote regions is a significant challenge and that offering such benefits would not only improve retention rates but also enhance the overall quality of care provided to communities in these areas.
In addition to addressing health worker welfare, the Minister underscored the urgent need for infrastructure development in the sector.
He called for the establishment of six new hospitals in the newly created regions of Ghana to ensure that healthcare services are accessible to all citizens, regardless of their geographical location.
Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of upgrading existing regional and teaching hospitals to attract more skilled professionals, especially specialists, to the health sector.
Responding to the Minister’s remarks, High Commissioner Juliette Byone-Sutherland expressed her admiration for the proactive steps being taken by the Ghanaian government to improve healthcare.
She acknowledged the progress made and offered her support in furthering these initiatives.
The High Commissioner also suggested a potential opportunity for nurses from Barbados to receive training in Ghana, where they could gain practical experience in healthcare settings and contribute to knowledge exchange between the two countries.
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