I’m a proud farmer – Mintah Akandoh to GRNMA General Secretary

Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has rejected suggestions that his farming background makes him unfit to lead the Health Ministry.

The comments come in response to criticism by Dr. David Tenkorang, General Secretary of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association, who questioned the Minister’s knowledge of hospital operations following his handling of a recent assault case at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge).

Dr. Tenkorang had suggested that Mr. Akandoh’s experience as a farmer left him ill-prepared for the complexities of managing the health sector.

Addressing the matter at a press conference on Thursday, August 21, Mr. Akandoh described such criticisms as misplaced and distracting. He stressed that leadership at the ministry should not be judged by professional background alone but by a commitment to solving the pressing challenges within Ghana’s health system.

“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,” the Minister said. “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 reaffirmed that his focus remains on strengthening healthcare delivery and ensuring the welfare of health professionals rather than engaging in debates over his past occupation.

“The suggestion that only people with medical training are qualified to serve as Health Minister is simply not true,” he said, adding that his critics would not derail him from carrying out his mandate.