I’m not the first health minister without a medical background

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Ghana’s Minister of Health has addressed growing concerns about his suitability for the role, asserting that his experience and track record in the health sector speak for themselves.

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series, the Minister responded to questions surrounding his professional background—particularly the fact that he is not a medical doctor. He emphasized that formal medical training is not a prerequisite for effective leadership in the health ministry.

“Arguably, the person widely regarded as Ghana’s best Health Minister wasn’t a doctor either,” he said, pointing to several respected former ministers who successfully led the ministry without clinical qualifications.

The Minister highlighted his active involvement in the health sector over the past seven years, especially through his role on Parliament’s Ranking Health Committee.

“I have been a member of the Ranking Health Committee for the past seven years, and there’s no sector or agency within health that I have not dealt with,” he stated. “I am very conversant with the sector, and my work over the years is there for all to see.”

He urged the public to assess his performance and contributions rather than focus solely on his academic background.

“The question of whether or not I’m fit for the role should be based on what I’m doing now. That’s what truly matters,” he concluded.