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Health Ministry rejects claims it is abandoning newly trained doctors
The Ministry of Health has rejected claims that Ghana is training medical doctors and abandoning them after graduation due to delays in recruitment and employment.
In a press release, the Ministry described the claims circulating on social media as misleading, insisting that established procedures are in place to ensure newly qualified doctors transition smoothly from housemanship into permanent employment.
It explained that the recruitment and posting of house officers are jointly handled by the Medical and Dental Council and the Ministry of Health.
According to the Ministry, three batches of newly qualified doctors commenced their housemanship in 2026 at different times, depending on their graduation dates and the completion of the required processes.
It further explained that 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.
The Ministry said financial clearance for the entire two-year programme is obtained before housemanship begins, meaning there is no need for a separate clearance for doctors to progress from the first year to the second year.
On permanent employment, it said there is an established arrangement between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance to ensure that doctors and dentists move into permanent positions immediately after completing their housemanship.
The Ministry disclosed that it is currently recruiting the 36th batch of Medical Officers and Dentists and preparing to begin recruitment for the 37th batch, whose members have recently obtained permanent registration from the Medical and Dental Council.
It added that its recruitment process now focuses on identifying actual vacancies in health facilities before inviting qualified doctors and dentists to apply.
This, it said, is to ensure that recruitment and postings are based on staffing needs and approved requirements rather than assigning medical personnel without considering vacancies.
The Ministry maintained that medical education and housemanship in Ghana are regulated by the Medical and Dental Council, which oversees the accreditation of medical training institutions and the registration and regulation of medical and dental practitioners.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The management of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park is proposing that the Bank of Ghana replace the image of the Big Six on selected banknotes with the iconic photograph of Dr Kwame Nkrumah declaring Ghana’s independence on March 6, 1957.
The proposal, announced in a statement issued on November 6, 2026, is aimed at broadening the historical representation of Ghana’s heritage on the country’s currency.
According to the Park, although the Big Six played significant roles in Ghana’s independence struggle and deserve recognition, the country’s banknotes should also reflect other important events in its history.
It said the proposal aligns with the Bank of Ghana’s planned introduction of a Heritage Series of banknotes, which is expected to showcase important personalities, events and milestones in the country’s history.
The Park described the March 6, 1957 photograph as a powerful symbol of Ghana’s freedom, sovereignty and contribution to the wider African liberation struggle.
It further noted that the proposed change would be a fitting tribute as Ghana prepares to celebrate 70 years of independence in 2027.
The Acting Executive Director of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Collins Rawlings Nunyonameh, PhD, signed the statement.
The Park said Ghana’s currency should not only serve as a medium of exchange but also tell the country’s history and reflect its national identity.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has outlined guidelines for the conduct of its upcoming Regional Elections, including a ban on proxy voting and mandatory identification for all delegates.
In a press release dated November 5, 2026, the party’s General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, stated that all eligible delegates must be physically present at their respective polling centres to cast their votes.
He explained that delegates would be required to present any one of three approved forms of identification: a valid NDC membership card, an official accreditation document or an embossed photograph captured in the approved voters’ register.
According to the guidelines, voting will begin at 7:00 a.m. and close at 4:00 p.m. However, delegates who are already in the queue by the closing time will be allowed to vote.
The party has also assigned the Ghana Police Service sole responsibility for providing security at all election centres.
It further stated that personal security details accompanying government officials or other individuals would not be allowed within designated voting areas.
Mr Kwetey urged aspirants, delegates, supporters and election officials to strictly comply with the guidelines and conduct themselves with discipline and restraint throughout the electoral process.
He called on all stakeholders to work together to ensure peaceful, credible and transparent elections that uphold the party’s democratic values and unity.
By: Jacob Aggrey
