Mahama please help him, he is suffering – Minority pleads for Deputy health minister appointment

The Minority in Parliament is urging President John Dramani Mahama to appoint a Deputy Minister for Health to support the current minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, who they say is struggling to manage the heavy workload alone.

This call was made by Minority Chief Whip Frank Annor-Dompreh during a parliamentary session on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. The appeal followed a briefing by the Health Minister about a new wave of COVID-19 cases at the University of Ghana.

In a humorous but serious tone, Annor-Dompreh pointed out that the pressure on the minister was beginning to show physically, joking that Akandoh’s hair is turning grey due to the stress. He stressed the importance of assigning a deputy to help share the workload.

“The minister has no deputy. His Excellency the President should be reminded of the four outstanding deputy appointments. Akandoh has no deputy. His hair is getting grey. The man is suffering. One moment he is in Bolga; the next moment he is here. He needs a deputy. It will help him,” he said, drawing laughter from fellow MPs.

The Nsawam-Adoagyiri MP also called for increased financial support for the Health Ministry, especially as the country faces a resurgence of COVID-19.

He further asked the Speaker of Parliament to instruct the Health Minister to provide regular updates—at least every two weeks—to the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health. This, he said, would ensure that lawmakers remain informed on the government’s ongoing response to the health crisis.

The Minority’s plea highlights growing concern over the current strain on the Health Ministry and the need for additional leadership and resources to help manage the rising challenges.