The Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has told journalists that before his appointment was one of Ghana’s biggest rice producers in the country making a direct response to earlier criticisms suggesting that his farming background makes him unsuitable for the role of heading the Health Ministry.
The response also meant to downplay the notion that farmers cannot head the health ministry.
This comes after comments from Dr. David Tenkorang, the General Secretary of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association, who criticized the Minister’s handling of the recent violence at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge).
Dr. Tenkorang implied that the Minister does not grasp hospital dynamics due to his farming background.
During a press conference on Thursday, August 21, aimed at clarifying his recent engagement with Ralph St. Williams, the individual accused of assaulting a health worker at Ridge, the Health Minister rejected these remarks.
He stated that the notion that only those with medical training can be health ministers is incorrect.
Mr. Akandoh referred to the comments about his background as a distraction meant to shift his focus from his responsibilities.
He stressed that the main goal is to tackle the issues within Ghana’s health system, rather than focusing on personal histories.
“I understand, on a lighter note, that I have been reminded of my status as a farmer. Yes, I don’t need reminders. I am a proud farmer, and everyone knows it. Before my appointment, I was one of the largest rice farmers in this country, and I take pride in that.
“We have much to accomplish, and these distractions will not deter us. We will keep striving for the betterment of Mother Ghana,” he stated, addressing his critics directly.