Ghanaian media personality, Afia Pokua, widely known as Vim Lady, has reminded the public that seeking medical treatment abroad is not a new practice among Ghanaian politicians as reported by MyNewsGH.
In a recent appearance on the Gyaso Gyaso program, she revealed that even former President Jerry John Rawlings, regarded as a symbol of nationalism, resorted to traveling overseas for healthcare under a false identity.
Vim Lady disclosed that Rawlings went to London for treatment under the alias “Paul Gyamfi” because, even in his time, Ghana’s healthcare system was unreliable.
“Rawlings himself, the man many hail as a nationalist, went to London for medical care. He used the name ‘Paul Gyamfi’ just to access treatment. Why? Because even back then, the system wasn’t reliable,” she said.
Her comments highlighted a persistent issue in Ghana’s healthcare sector, criticizing politicians who seek advanced care abroad but fail to improve the local system.
She also pointed out that Rawlings’ own daughter, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, was sent to Northern Ireland for medical school rather than studying at the University of Ghana Medical School.
Vim Lady stated that the real problem lies not in politicians’ personal choices but in the government’s lack of commitment to reforming the healthcare system.
She called on Ghanaians to focus on demanding better healthcare policies, rather than engaging in political finger-pointing.
“Let’s stop the hypocrisy,” she urged, stressing the need for genuine reforms to ensure that healthcare in Ghana meets the needs of their citizens. “If we don’t fix our hospitals, today it’s Naana Jane, tomorrow it could be someone else.”