Deputy Health Minister Ayensu-Danquah Targets Doctor Shortages and Maternal Mortality in Bono Region

The Deputy Minister of Health, Prof. Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, has sounded an alarm over critical staffing shortages in the Bono Region, revealing that only seven out of approximately 20 doctors recently posted to the area have reported for duty. During an official visit to the region on September 22, 2026, the Deputy Minister highlighted this 65 percent vacancy rate as a significant threat to healthcare delivery. The visit, which included a courtesy call on the Bono Regional Minister, aimed to address the dual challenges of medical personnel retention and the persistently high rates of maternal mortality in the region.

Prof. Dr. Ayensu-Danquah identified inadequate accommodation and a lack of basic resources as the primary barriers preventing healthcare professionals from accepting postings to the Bono Region. She emphasized that creating a conducive working environment is essential for retaining talent and ensuring that the government's investment in medical training translates into improved health outcomes for rural populations. To combat these issues, the Deputy Minister called for urgent financial and resource mobilization, stressing that the Ministry of Health is actively working to identify and mitigate the factors that lead to preventable deaths among medical staff and patients alike.

A central theme of the Deputy Minister’s engagement was the urgent need for cross-sector collaboration to reduce maternal mortality. Prof. Dr. Ayensu-Danquah briefed regional authorities on ongoing Ministry of Health initiatives designed to curb preventable maternal deaths, asserting that the battle against mortality cannot be won by the health sector in isolation. She urged all stakeholders, including local government and community leaders, to support medical staff and participate in a unified effort to enhance the wellbeing of women and the broader community.

In response, the Bono Regional Minister, Hon. Joseph Addae Akwaboah, pledged his full support for the Ministry's initiatives. He expressed optimism that through strengthened collaboration, the region could overcome its current healthcare hurdles. Akwaboah committed to assisting with resource challenges, particularly regarding staff housing, to ensure that the region becomes a more attractive destination for healthcare professionals. This partnership between the health ministry and regional government marks a critical step toward stabilizing the Bono Region's health system and providing consistent, high-quality care to its residents.