Accra: Mr. Frank Yeboah, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Atwima Nwabiagya North, has questioned the government's narrative on the state of Ghana's healthcare system, describing it as 'rosy' and disconnected from reality.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Yeboah spoke in Parliament during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) debate on Tuesday, where he argued that President John Dramani Mahama's address glossed over pressing challenges. He cited the Health Minister's directive to suspend the Principal of Nalerigu Nursing Training College for admitting more students than approved as a key issue.
The MP pointed out, 'Mr. Speaker, while the President is touting expansion in access to nursing training and removal of financial barriers, the Health Minister is demanding the suspension of a principal for admitting more students, claiming it would burden the No Fees Stress policy.'
Mr. Yeboah also highlighted the plight of rural cocoa farmers, who allegedly lost access to life-saving anti-snake serum delivered via drone after the government suspended the service. 'Mr. Speaker, if a farmer is bitten by a snake today, he must find his own means to travel to the hospital before receiving treatment. Where will the money for that transport come from?' he questioned.
He further linked healthcare challenges to broader economic hardships, including rising living costs and power outages. 'These are the realities confronting Ghanaians today. This is the true state of our health sector and economy,' Mr. Yeboah stated, urging the government to focus on practical solutions.