Northern Regional Minister Ali Adolf John has raised concerns about staffing shortages, equipment deficits and the growing reluctance of nurses to accept rural postings during a meeting with Deputy Health Minister Grace Ayensu-Danquah in Tamale.
The minister made the remarks on Monday, March 2, 2026, when he received Prof. Ayensu-Danquah on a courtesy call at the Northern Regional Coordinating Council as part of her working visit to the region.
The Deputy Minister was accompanied by the Northern Regional Director of Health and other officials to engage health personnel and assess challenges affecting healthcare delivery.
Hon. Adolf said the increasing number of nurses seeking transfers from rural communities to urban centres is undermining health services in deprived areas.
He noted that some nurses posted to rural facilities are unwilling to accept the postings, a situation he said is affecting access to healthcare in parts of the region.
The minister called on the Ministry of Health to implement measures to ensure a more equitable distribution of health professionals.
He also raised concerns about inadequate medical equipment in some health facilities.
According to him, the lack of critical equipment, including dialysis machines, is affecting efficient service delivery, while the shortage of doctors continues to place pressure on existing staff.
Hon. Adolf further appealed to the ministry to improve conditions for casual workers in the health sector, particularly hospital cleaners, whose work he described as essential to maintaining hygiene in health facilities.
As part of her visit, Prof. Ayensu-Danquah inspected ongoing health infrastructure projects in the region, including the construction of a maternal block at the Tamale Regional Hospital.
The facility, funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is expected to expand maternal and child healthcare services in the region when completed.
Responding to the concerns raised, Prof. Ayensu-Danquah reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening the health sector.
She pointed to the role of the Mahamacare Foundation in supporting healthcare delivery, particularly in underserved communities.
According to the Deputy Minister, the foundation is helping to complement government efforts through support for health infrastructure, training of health professionals and the provision of essential medical equipment.
Prof. Ayensu-Danquah said partnerships between government and private or philanthropic organisations are critical to improving healthcare services.
She assured stakeholders that the Ministry of Health will continue to work with partners to address challenges affecting healthcare delivery in the Northern Region.
Hon. Adolf also commended the Northern Regional Director of Health for his collaboration with the Regional Coordinating Council in managing the sector.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
