Omanghana
New Patriotic Party presidential candidate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has called for a “paradigm shift” in Ghana’s healthcare policies following discussions with the leadership of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA).
The former Vice President met the association’s National Executive Committee at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital on Monday, September 28, 2026, to examine challenges facing medical professionals and the delivery of healthcare across the country.
Led by GMA President Professor Ernest Yorke, the delegation raised concerns about workforce retention, uneven staffing, remuneration and conditions of service.
Dr. Bawumia said the engagement provided valuable insights into structural weaknesses within the health sector and reinforced the need to rethink how policies are developed and implemented.
A major focus of the meeting was the migration of healthcare professionals and the need for stronger incentives to retain doctors in the public sector. Discussions also covered the unequal distribution of medical personnel, which continues to affect access to care in underserved communities.
The provision of deprived-area allowances was among the measures discussed to encourage doctors to accept and remain in postings outside major urban centers.
The GMA leadership also raised concerns about a proposal by the Medical and Dental Council requiring locally trained doctors to undertake additional licensing examinations. The issue formed part of broader discussions on professional regulation and its implications for medical practitioners.
Other matters included improvements to compensation, working conditions, healthcare infrastructure and national emergency preparedness.
In a social media post after the meeting, Dr. Bawumia praised the association for presenting “brilliant, transformational ideas” that could help shape reforms.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration with healthcare professionals and pledged to incorporate their recommendations into a patient-centered health plan ahead of the general elections.
Source: Omanghana
