Clear Backlog, Stop “Aviator-Style” Health Recruitment – Kwabena Frimpong to Government

Deputy Protocol Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwabena Frimpong, has strongly criticized the government’s health sector recruitment approach, describing it as unfair and lacking transparency.

He made these remarks during his address at the PASAG National Week Celebration held at KAAF University.

In his speech, Frimpong expressed concern over what he termed a deviation from campaign promises made to Ghanaian youth.

“The current government under H.E. John Mahama, which promised the Ghanaian youth a 1:3:3 employment model during the campaign season—where three individuals would share one job across three shifts—and assured health sector trainees of automatic postings, has instead introduced what can best be described as an ‘aviator-style’ recruitment system,” he said.

According to him, the reality has been markedly different.

“This system has replaced the promise of automatic postings,” he stated.

Frimpong contrasted the current system with what he described as a more structured and transparent approach under former President Nana Akufo-Addo. He noted that in 2019, the Akufo-Addo administration successfully cleared a backlog of health trainees inherited from the previous Mahama-led government, ensuring fairness and consistency in postings.

“This stands in stark contrast to the approach under Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration, which cleared the backlog of health trainees inherited from the Mahama-led government (2012–2016). In 2019, through a directive signed by then Deputy Minister for Health, Hon. Tina Mensah, postings were regularized and the backlog was cleared. Even amid IMF constraints following COVID-19, automatic postings were maintained for all eligible cohorts. Each year group was treated fairly, and the process upheld transparency and respect for professional progression. Health workers had confidence that their years of training would be recognized.”

He lamented that the current recruitment model has eroded that confidence, noting that multiple year groups are now merged into a single competitive pool.

“Today, that assurance has been eroded. Automatic postings are no longer guaranteed. Instead, the Minister of Health has introduced a recruitment process that merges multiple year groups into a single competitive pool. Under this system, a 2024 graduate may secure immediate posting, while a 2021-trained health professional with more experience remains unemployed. This approach undermines fairness, disregards seniority, and opens the door to favoritism, abuse of discretion, and potential corruption,” he added.

Frimpong also took aim at the Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, accusing him of overseeing a system that contradicts his earlier criticisms of recruitment delays.

“It is particularly ironic that the current Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh—who for years criticized recruitment delays under the previous government—is now overseeing a system that compromises equity and professional dignity. The December 2026 financial clearance deadline further raises concerns about political motives, as it appears structured to prioritize party affiliates while leaving many qualified professionals stranded, with no available slots on recruitment portals.”

Calling for immediate reforms, Frimpong urged the Ministry of Health to restore fairness and trust in the system.

“I urge the Minister of Health to act with urgency and responsibility. Engage all relevant health agencies before recruitment exercises end to clear the backlog of trained professionals, as was done in 2019. Restore the system of year-group postings that respects seniority and fairness. Publish accurate vacancy figures to ensure transparency. Most importantly, honor the commitment of automatic postings for all qualified health workers.”

He concluded by emphasizing the broader implications for governance and public trust.

“Thousands of trained health professionals have waited patiently to serve their country. Subjecting them to unclear, unpredictable, and seemingly politically influenced recruitment processes is unacceptable. Ghanaians deserve leadership that keeps its promises, respects the sacrifices of health workers, and strengthens the healthcare system—not one that undermines livelihoods for political convenience.”

The remarks have sparked renewed debate over employment policies in the health sector and the need for reforms to ensure equity and transparency in recruitment processes.