Ghana’s Health Sector in Crisis: 80,000 Professionals Jobless
Ghana’s health sector is facing a severe crisis, with over 80,000 trained health professionals currently unemployed, according to Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh. The minister revealed this alarming statistic while speaking at a send-off ceremony for 121 health workers departing for Antigua and Barbuda under the Ghana Labour Export Programme.
According to Ghana News Agency, the programme aims to create international employment opportunities for these skilled professionals while strengthening Ghana’s bilateral ties with partner countries. Minister Akandoh emphasized that the government is exploring opportunities for health professionals abroad, with plans underway for similar arrangements with Jamaica, Barbados, and Trinidad.
The health minister’s comments come amid concerns about the country’s ability to absorb the growing number of unemployed health workers. Ghana could face a staggering 180,000 unemployed health professionals by 2028 if no immediate steps are taken to address the issue. The backlog includes nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals, with nurses representing the largest cohort of unemployed health workers.
The government has begun sending health professionals overseas to ease unemployment, with the first batch of 121 workers departing for Antigua and Barbuda. This move is part of a three-year contract under the Labour Exchange Programme, which aims to provide services in midwifery, mental health, and general healthcare.
According to News Ghana, the government is coordinating with the Finance Ministry to gradually absorb unemployed professionals despite fiscal constraints. The health ministry has also secured financial clearance for over 17,000 health professionals, including rotational nurses, midwives, and allied health interns.
The situation highlights the need for urgent intervention to address the employment backlog and ensure the country’s health sector is adequately staffed to provide quality healthcare services.
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Author: Korkor Anumu
