Kwabena Mintah Akandoh is the Minister of Health
The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has responded to critics questioning his role and qualifications as sector minister.
Akandoh stated that his experience in public service, particularly in the health sector, is unmatched and should not be underrated, justifying his appointment as Minister of Health.
According to Akandoh, he is not the first person in Ghana’s history to serve as Minister of Health without a medical background.
He referenced former health ministers who, despite lacking medical training, performed exceptionally well during their tenures.
“Not being a medical doctor and therefore you are not fit to become the health minister? I am not the first person in that ministry who didn’t have a health background. Dr Sipa Yankey, because he’s Dr Sipa Yankey, maybe some of you think that he’s a medical doctor.
“He’s not, he’s a PhD holder. My own friend Agyeman Manu. There are quite a number of them. And arguably, I’m told that the best health minister so far is Mr Nuamah Donkor, who didn’t have a health background,” he said this while answering a question during the Government Accountability Series on Friday, July 18, 2025.
Akandoh stood firm in his experience, confidently dismissing critics’ claims and urging Ghanaians to judge him by his performance in office rather than his academic background.
He added, “And for me, I have been a Ranking Member on the Health Committee for the past seven years. There’s no sector, no agency I have not dealt with so, I’m very conversant with the sector. Seven years as a ranking member and my work as a ranking member is there for all of you to attest to it. And so, whether or not I am fit for the position, what I am doing now is what you must judge me with. That’s what’s important.”
MAG/AE
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