The Upper East Region’s longstanding quest for more medical professionals has suffered a setback, as only three of the 26 doctors posted to the region have so far reported for duty.
The majority of the doctors are yet to report, leaving several hospitals and facilities that require their services understaffed and struggling to meet patient needs.
The Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, revealed this while addressing journalists at a media engagement
in Bolgatanga, where he rendered an account of his stewardship since assuming office.
According to him, out of the 26 doctors posted to the region, only five have reported, with three currently on duty at the Upper East Regional Hospital.
One is yet to assume duty at the Paga Hospital, while the rest have not reported at all.
“These figures underscore the urgency of attracting and retaining qualified medical personnel in the region,” he said.
He said the doctor-to-patient ratio had improved slightly from one doctor taking care of 17,173 people (1: 17,173) to a doctor attending to 14,072 people (1: 14,072), although this still fell short of the national target of 1: 7,500.
The minister said that the refusal of doctors to accept postings to the region remained a major challenge to healthcare delivery.
Medical school
To address the chronic shortage of doctors and specialists, Mr Atanga announced plans to establish a medical school at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) and an upgrade of the Upper East Regional Hospital into a teaching hospital.
Donatus Akamugri Atanga (right), Upper East Regional Minister, speaking during the event
The minister said the initiative, being planned through the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) in partnership with UTAS and the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, would also introduce specialist training programmes at the Regional Hospital, starting with Paediatrics and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, with surgical and other specialities following in subsequent years.
Mr Atanga pointed out that admissions for prospective medical students had already commenced.
He further announced that the RCC had provided office space for the Health Facilities Regulatory Agency (HeFRA) to strengthen oversight of public and private health facilities.
The HeFRA office, located on the ground floor of the RCC, is staffed by a regional coordinator and four officers, tasked with licensing, monitoring and ensuring quality healthcare delivery.
The minister assured residents of the Upper East Region of the government’s continued commitment to improving healthcare delivery and saving lives, while calling on medical professionals to accept postings to underserved areas in the national interest.
Security
Mr Atanga said peace and security remained a top priority for the government, adding that the region has recorded significant improvements in stability, although challenges persist in some areas, particularly Bawku.
The Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has intensified surveillance, intelligence gathering and early warning systems, while strengthening joint operations among the security agencies.
The measures, the Upper East Regional Minister said, had enhanced public safety, reduced criminal activities and improved public confidence across the region.
Mr Atanga added that targeted security operations were addressing motorbike snatching and robbery incidents in Talensi, Zaare, Soe, marketplaces and other parts of the region, with market security committees playing a critical role in crime prevention.
Mining
On mining, the minister reiterated the government’s firm stance against illegal mining activities that threatened water bodies, farmlands and the environment.
He revealed that a REGSEC-led operation into the Tilli Forest along the Red Volta and later the Naaga Forest resulted in the arrest of 70 illegal miners, including foreign nationals from Togo and Burkina Faso.
Mining equipment has also been seized, and all suspects have been arraigned.
He also disclosed that mediation efforts between small-scale miners and large-scale mining companies in the Talensi District have eased tensions, although some underlying issues remain unresolved.
The minister announced that gold deposits have now been discovered in 10 of the 15 municipalities and districts in the region.
He also indicated that as part of efforts to create opportunities for the youth, the Regional Coordinating Council, in collaboration with the Minerals Commission, had submitted a list of mining communities, including Teshie, Sapeliga, Santeng, Tarkwa, Bongo, Kadema, Naaga, Bechisi and Nabdam to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources for engagement with concession holders under the cooperative mining scheme.
Justice delivery reforms
In the area of justice delivery, the Upper East Regional Minister announced plans to establish a dedicated remand centre in Bolgatanga to address congestion at the Navrongo Prison and reduce delays in court proceedings.
Mr Atanga said engagements were ongoing with the Ghana Prisons Service and the Ministry for the Interior, adding that the Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service paid a courtesy call on him on December 22, 2025, during which a proposed site was inspected.
He said the initiative aligned with President John Dramani Mahama’s Resetting Agenda, which prioritised human rights, institutional reforms and improved access to justice.
Mr Atanga assured residents of the region of the government’s continued commitment to safeguarding lives, property and livelihoods, and called on the media to support peacebuilding efforts through responsible reporting.
