The Ministry of Health has rejected claims that Ghana is training medical doctors and subsequently abandoning them due to delays in recruitment and employment, insisting that established processes are in place to ensure their transition into the health workforce.
In a press release dated November 5, 2026, the Ministry described the claims circulating on social media as misleading, saying discussions about the recruitment of newly qualified doctors must be based on facts and a proper understanding of the processes involved.
The Ministry explained that the recruitment and posting of house officers are jointly undertaken by the Medical and Dental Council and the Ministry of Health.
It disclosed that three batches of medical doctors commenced their housemanship at different times in 2026, depending on their graduation dates and completion of the required processes.
According to the Ministry, housemanship is a mandatory two-year practical training programme for newly qualified medical doctors and dentists. The first year is undertaken at secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities, while the second year provides trainees with experience at the district level.
It further clarified that financial clearance for the entire two-year housemanship programme is secured before trainees begin their first year, eliminating the need for a separate clearance to progress into the second year.
On permanent employment, the Ministry said it has an established arrangement with the Ministry of Finance to facilitate the immediate transition of doctors and dentists from their second year of housemanship into permanent employment.
It noted that recruitment is currently ongoing for the 36th Batch of Medical Officers and Dentists, while preparations are underway to commence recruitment for the 37th Batch, whose members have recently obtained permanent registration from the Medical and Dental Council of Ghana.
The Ministry also highlighted changes in its recruitment approach, explaining that vacancies are now identified across health facilities before recruitment begins to ensure that placements are based on actual staffing needs and approved staffing norms.
It said the approach is intended to promote transparency, accountability and the equitable distribution of medical personnel across the country.
Addressing concerns about the regulation of medical education, the Ministry maintained that medical training and housemanship in Ghana are properly regulated, with the Medical and Dental Council responsible for overseeing accreditation, registration and the regulation of medical and dental practitioners.
The Ministry acknowledged that training doctors comes with the responsibility of creating opportunities for them to serve the country, particularly in underserved and deprived communities.
It reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Ministry of Finance, the Medical and Dental Council and other stakeholders to strengthen recruitment, deployment and retention processes to ensure that Ghana’s investment in medical education translates into improved healthcare delivery.
The statement, signed by the Ministry’s Spokesperson, Tony Goodman, urged the public and media practitioners to verify information before drawing conclusions, adding that while constructive criticism is welcome, it must be informed by accurate information.
By: Bernard Mensah
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