New data from the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has highlighted a concerning nationwide turnout gap, with 7 out of 10 newly posted medical officers failing to report to their assigned regions. The report, dated 28 November 2025, indicates that of the 463 medical officers allocated across 16 regions, only 158 have reported, representing just 34% of expected postings. Meanwhile, 305 doctors (66%) have yet to take up their positions.
The figures point to a sluggish health workforce deployment system, leaving several regions waiting for doctors who have not arrived. Some areas recorded zero arrivals, while others reported only single-digit numbers, emphasizing the uneven distribution of medical personnel.
In contrast, Ghana’s largest metropolitan regions—Greater Accra and Ashanti—reported the highest turnout, with over 60% of doctors reporting, highlighting a strong urban pull. The disparity is stark: while some regions are well-staffed, others remain largely unattended.
The Ghana Health Service has urged regional authorities to intensify engagement with medical officers to improve reporting rates and address the current shortages.
