The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has responded to criticisms suggesting that his farming background makes him unfit to head the Ministry of Health.
According to him, the notion that only individuals with medical training are qualified to serve as health minister is misplaced and undermines the broader competencies required for leadership.
The backlash follows comments by the General Secretary of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association, Dr David Tenkorang, who criticised the minister’s handling of the recent violence at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital.
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Dr Tenkorang argued that Akandoh lacked an understanding of hospital dynamics because he is a farmer by profession.
But speaking at a press conference on Thursday, August 21, 2025, Mintah Akandoh clarified that his handshake with social activist, Ralph Saint Williams – who has been at the center of a major controversial matter of an alleged assault of a staff of the Ridge Hospital, was not an endorsement of the alleged attack but rather a show of courtesy expected of someone in public office.
“I understand, on the lighter note, I have been reminded of the fact that I am a farmer. Yes, nobody needs to remind me. I am a proud farmer, and everybody knows it. Until my appointment, I was one of the largest rice farmers in this country. I am proud of that,” he stated.
He further described the remarks about his professional background as a distraction meant to divert his attention from addressing the pressing challenges facing Ghana’s health sector.
Akandoh emphasised that his focus remains on delivering improvements within the health system, adding that criticisms about his background will not deter him.
“Please, we have a lot to deliver, and some of these things will not divert our attention. We will continue to do our best for Mother Ghana,” he stressed.
