In a press statement reacting to social media commentary that Ghana was currently training doctors but abandoning them, the Ministry explained that the Ministry of Finance has an established procedure allowing a seamless transition from the second year of housemanship to immediate permanent employment.
This, it said had seen a significant improvement with a current approach towards identifying actual vacancies before commencing recruitment, to ensure that recruitment and placement were guided by identified vacancies and approved staffing norms rather than indiscriminate posting.
In the statement dated November 5, 2026, and signed by Tony Goodman as spokesperson for the Ministry, the claims circulating on social media suggesting that Ghana was training medical doctors and subsequently abandoning them due to delays in their recruitment and employment was rejected.
The Ministry stated that the recruitment and posting of house officers were undertaken jointly by the Medical and Dental Council and the Ministry of Health.
It emphasised that newly qualified doctors are not left at home for years awaiting placement, noting that in 2026 alone, three batches of medical doctors have commenced their housemanship at different times.
It clarified that housemanship is a structured, two-year mandatory practical training programme for newly qualified medical doctors and dentists, with the first year undertaken at secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities and the second year providing exposure at the district level.
It explained that financial clearance for the entire two-year programme is obtained before the first year begins, so no separate clearance is required to progress to the second year.
On permanent employment, the Ministry said it and the Ministry of Finance have an established procedure allowing a seamless transition from the second year of housemanship to immediate permanent employment.
It noted that it is currently recruiting the 36th Batch of Medical Officers and Dentists and is preparing to commence the recruitment process for the 37th Batch.
It also stressed that medical education and housemanship in Ghana are well regulated, with admission into medical schools subject to regulatory and accreditation requirements enforced by the Medical and Dental Council.
“Ultimately, the Ministry of Health recognises that training medical doctors comes with the responsibility of creating opportunities for them to serve the country,” the statement read, adding that the Ministry remains committed to ensuring qualified doctors and dentists contribute to healthcare delivery, particularly in underserved communities.
The Ministry urged the public and media to interrogate the facts before concluding, stating that constructive criticism is welcome but must be informed by accurate information.
