A Senior Lecturer at Kumasi Technical University, Solomon Fokuo, has criticized the Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, questioning his competence and suitability to lead the sector.
Speaking in an interview on the Wontumi Morning Show with Oheneba Nana Asiedu, Mr. Fokuo said the health sector is too critical to be managed without adequate expertise and questioned the rationale behind the minister’s appointment.
“Who advised President John Dramani Mahama to appoint Hon. Mintah Akandoh as Health Minister?” he asked.
He also expressed concern over reports suggesting that tricycles were being procured for parts of the health sector, arguing that ambulances would have been a more appropriate investment to enhance emergency healthcare delivery.
Mr. Fokuo further stated that the Ministry of Health has not done enough to strengthen preventive healthcare, particularly during the rainy season.
“Mosquito nets should have been distributed to schools to protect children from mosquito-borne diseases,” he said.
He added that the construction of hospital buildings alone does not guarantee quality healthcare delivery, stressing the need for adequate medical equipment and infrastructure.
“There are several instances where patients are told there are no available beds in hospitals. The Minister should strengthen collaboration with private healthcare facilities by utilizing available spaces and deploying qualified health professionals where necessary,” he stated.
Mr. Fokuo also criticized the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Health Service, Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, alleging that his appointment was influenced by political considerations.
He challenged the CEO to demonstrate key achievements since assuming office, insisting that competence and experience should be the main criteria for appointments in the health sector.