The Ultimatum by the Minister to Doctors Is Needless – Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danqua

Lecturer at UPSA, Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danqua, has sharply criticized the Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, over the ultimatum issued to doctors who have refused postings to rural areas.

According to Dr. Boakye-Danqua, the directive is both unnecessary and counterproductive, as it fails to address the real issues influencing medical professionals’ decisions. He argued that threatening doctors does little to solve the long-standing infrastructural and logistical challenges that make rural service unattractive.

Dr. Boakye-Danqua emphasized that the government should focus on improving conditions in deprived communities rather than resorting to ultimatums. He highlighted key concerns such as inadequate medical equipment, poor accommodation, lack of transportation, and limited career progression incentives for doctors stationed in remote areas.

In his view, no amount of coercion can replace meaningful investment, and the ministry must channel its energy into creating an enabling environment where doctors can work effectively and safely.

He further urged the Minister to adopt a more collaborative approach by engaging medical associations, listening to the concerns of doctors, and developing a sustainable incentive framework.

Dr. Boakye-Danqua maintained that rural health care delivery can only improve through motivation, not intimidation. Issuing deadlines and threats, he insisted, will only deepen the disconnect between policymakers and healthcare professionals, ultimately worsening the very challenges the ministry seeks to resolve.