Media and political communication analyst, Dr. Paul Herzuah, has strongly condemned the growing trend of flying Ghana’s top political leaders abroad for medical treatment, describing it as a dent on the image of the country and a vote of no confidence in the nation’s health system.
Speaking on Morning Target on Bullet TV with Selikem Acolatse-Apaloo, the University of Media, Arts and Communication lecturer stated emphatically that “this should be the last time we fly our Vice President or any high-ranking official outside for healthcare.”
According to Dr. Paul Herzuah, the practice not only reflects poorly on Ghana’s global image but also insults the intelligence and expertise of local medical professionals who continue to work under-resourced and overwhelming conditions.
“We have the personnel. What we lack are the resources. Flying our big men abroad doesn’t speak well of us at all — it undermines the capabilities of our doctors and health professionals,” – he said.
Dr. Herzuah noted that while high-profile cases are rushed abroad, many ordinary Ghanaians are left to face the deficiencies of the local system. “Why should our leaders run away from the very system they preside over? It sends a wrong message that our healthcare is not good enough — and that is not acceptable.”
He called on government to take immediate steps to adequately equip and resource at least one first-class national referral hospital that can cater for the country’s top leaders. He suggested existing facilities like Korle Bu, UGMC, and the Bank Hospital could be upgraded for this purpose.
“The priority now must be resourcing, not just building. We have hospitals that are structurally complete but without basic equipment or supplies. That must change,” – he stressed.
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Citing past incidents, including the death of former Vice President Aliu Mahama and others at local facilities due to delays or lack of equipment, Dr. Herzuah warned that critical health emergencies require urgent in-country responses, not foreign trips.
“It should not take a tragedy to wake us up. We need a robust, well-equipped system that can handle emergencies right here in Ghana,” – he added.
He concluded by urging leaders to lead by example and commit to rebuilding public trust in the local healthcare system. “This culture of medical escape must end. Let this be the last time,” – he insisted.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Ebenezer Madugu