The Ministry of Health has rejected claims that Ghana is training medical doctors and abandoning them after graduation, insisting that established arrangements are in place to support their transition from housemanship into permanent employment.

In a statement issued on Thursday, November 5, 2026, the Ministry described claims circulating on social media about delays in recruiting newly qualified doctors as misleading.

The Ministry explained that the recruitment and posting of house officers are jointly managed by the Ministry of Health and the Medical and Dental Council of Ghana.

It disclosed that three batches of newly qualified medical doctors commenced their housemanship at different times in 2026, depending on their graduation dates and the completion of the required processes.

Housemanship is a mandatory two-year programme

The Ministry clarified that housemanship is a structured, mandatory two-year practical training programme for newly qualified medical doctors and dentists.

During the first year, house officers receive practical training at secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities. The second year provides them with additional clinical experience at the district level.

According to the Ministry, financial clearance for the full two-year programme is secured before trainees begin their first year. This means a separate financial clearance is not required for doctors to progress into the second year.

Ministry explains recruitment arrangements

Addressing concerns about employment after housemanship, the Ministry said it has an established arrangement with the Ministry of Finance to facilitate the transition of doctors and dentists into permanent employment after completing the programme.

It added that it is currently recruiting the 36th Batch of Medical Officers and Dentists and preparing to begin the recruitment process for the 37th Batch.

The Ministry said members of the 37th Batch have recently obtained permanent registration from the Medical and Dental Council, allowing the next stage of the process to proceed.

Recruitment to be guided by available vacancies

The Ministry also highlighted a shift towards identifying actual vacancies in health facilities before recruitment begins.

It said recruitment and placement are now guided by identified staffing gaps and approved staffing requirements rather than indiscriminate postings.

The approach, according to the Ministry, is intended to ensure that newly qualified doctors are placed where their services are needed, particularly in underserved communities.

The Ministry acknowledged public concerns about the employment of trained medical professionals but maintained that training doctors must go hand in hand with creating opportunities for them to serve the country.

It urged the public and media to examine the facts and understand the recruitment and housemanship processes before drawing conclusions.

The statement was signed by Tony Goodman, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health.

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