Doctors fleeing, others refusing postings due to Bawku conflict – GMA

SOURCE : Clara Seshie

The President of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), Dr. Frank Serebour, has raised serious concerns about the increasing insecurity in Bawku, revealing that many medical professionals are fleeing the area or refusing new postings due to the ongoing conflict.

Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse on Tuesday, April 15, Dr. Serebour explained that the rising insecurity has created an atmosphere of fear, prompting some doctors to leave the region, while others are declining postings to Bawku.

“Some doctors are fleeing, while others are refusing postings due to the escalating insecurity in Bawku,” he said. “A few of them have decided to leave and are now in Accra and Kumasi, refusing to return to Bawku.”

This situation has made it increasingly difficult for health administrators to maintain order or enforce discipline within health facilities. 

Dr. Serebour highlighted that even those in managerial roles are unable to hold staff accountable due to fears of retaliation from armed groups.

There are some of them in administrative roles who are unable to enforce discipline,” he explained. “If a health worker doesn’t report to work and you try to take disciplinary action, the next day your photograph is circulated, and you’re threatened — told that if you’re not careful, you’ll be the next target.”

The situation has escalated to the point where some doctors’ homes have been attacked. Dr. Serebour revealed that some doctors’ houses had been raided and riddled with bullets, forcing them to request police protection.

Some doctors’ houses have been raided and riddled with bullets. They’ve had to request police protection. It’s not easy at all,” he said.

Once a region that attracted doctors, even amid the challenges of working in the northern parts of Ghana, Bawku has now become too dangerous for many healthcare workers. Dr. Serebour pointed out that while Bawku used to be one of the areas that drew medical professionals, the growing insecurity has changed that.

“In the past, Bawku was one of the places that attracted doctors, even when others were hesitant to work in the northern regions,” he noted. “But recently, nobody wants to accept postings to Bawku. 

Those who are there are leaving, and the few who remain are working under constant fear.”

In light of the mounting threats, Dr. Serebour has called on the Minister of Health to take immediate action to ensure the safety of healthcare workers. He has recommended relocating those at risk to safer areas outside the conflict zone.

“I called the Minister recently and told him we need to move some of our colleagues who feel their lives are at risk out of the danger zone and send them to safer locations,” he said.

Dr. Serebour concluded by warning that the ongoing violence is already severely impacting healthcare services in Bawku.

“Healthcare is indeed being affected because of the conflict going on in Bawku,” he concluded.