AHSAG demands action on delayed appointments, hospital administrative reforms

The Association of Health Service Administrators, Ghana (AHSAG), has expressed concern over delays in appointing qualified health administrators to key positions in public health facilities, warning that the situation could affect effective hospital management and healthcare delivery.

According to the association, more than 100 Principal Health Service Administrators have been shortlisted for possible appointment as Hospital Administrators but are yet to be invited for interviews.

AHSAG says the prolonged delays have created uncertainty among affected professionals and could undermine staff morale and the efficient administration of health institutions.

The concerns were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the association’s 49th Annual General Conference and Continuing Professional Education programme, held at the Modern City Hotel in Tamale from October 19 to 23, 2026.

The conference was held under the theme, “Building Resilient Free Primary Healthcare Systems for Universal Health Coverage: The Leadership Role of Health Service Administrators.”

AHSAG called on the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and other responsible authorities to expedite the outstanding appointment processes and provide clear timelines for interviews, appointments and postings.

It also urged the government to facilitate financial clearance for the recruitment of newly qualified Health Service Administrators and other essential support-service personnel.

The association further raised concerns about the reported failure to implement the Hospital Administrator position at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital despite a ministerial directive issued more than four years ago.

It appealed to the hospital’s Board and Management, together with the Ministry of Health, to resolve the matter and communicate the status of implementation to affected officers.

At the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, AHSAG questioned the reported appointment of a Director of Administration who, according to the association, is not a trained Health Service Administrator.

It called for a review of the appointment to determine whether it meets the applicable professional qualifications, recruitment requirements and scheme of service.

Beyond staffing concerns, AHSAG welcomed the government’s Free Primary Health Care Programme, describing it as an important intervention towards improving access to essential healthcare services.

However, the association stressed that the programme’s success would depend on effective planning, resource management, logistics, maintenance and accountability.

It therefore urged the Ministry of Health, GHS and other stakeholders to involve Health Service Administrators in the planning, implementation and management of the programme.

AHSAG also commended the establishment of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund to support patients requiring treatment for high-cost medical conditions, including cancer and other non-communicable diseases.

The association called for predictable and sustainable financing to ensure the fund remains operational, while encouraging corporate organisations and development partners to contribute.

On financial management, AHSAG expressed concern that some Health Service Administrators and Pharmacists had reportedly not been assigned appropriate roles under the Ghana Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS).

It urged the Ministry of Health, GHS and the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department to review the system’s role configurations to ensure authorised officers can perform their responsibilities without compromising financial controls.

The association also called for stronger discipline among healthcare workers, citing negligence, absenteeism, lateness, abandonment of duty and breaches of patient confidentiality as practices that could undermine healthcare delivery.

It encouraged hospital administrators and facility managers to strengthen supervision, attendance monitoring and performance management while ensuring that disciplinary processes are fair and consistent with established procedures.

AHSAG further urged the government to develop clear guidelines for the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare, stressing that emerging technologies should support rather than replace professional judgement.

The association also condemned sexual abuse of students by individuals entrusted with their education and supervision, calling for impartial investigations and stronger safeguarding measures in educational institutions.

On public health preparedness, AHSAG called for increased investment in disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, infection prevention and outbreak response.

It cited reports of yellow fever in parts of the Upper West Region and an imported Ebola case in Nigeria as developments requiring sustained vigilance and regional cooperation.

The association urged health facilities to strengthen case detection, reporting and emergency preparedness while ensuring healthcare workers receive the necessary training and protective equipment.

The communiqué, signed by AHSAG President Rev. Ezekiel Amadu Daribi and General Secretary Abdul Rashid Mohammed, called on the government and relevant institutions to act on the recommendations.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to working with stakeholders to strengthen healthcare administration, improve accountability and support the delivery of quality healthcare services across Ghana.

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