A group of 130 Ghanaian health professionals have left the country to start a three-year contract in Antigua under the government’s Labour Exchange Programme. According to Citi News, the health workers are expected to boost Antigua’s healthcare system, which has been facing staffing shortages.
The move is part of Ghana’s efforts to export skilled labour and create employment opportunities for its youth. The Ghana Labour Exchange Programme aims to train, deploy, and re-integrate Ghana’s youthful workforce through ethical and rights-based labour contracts abroad.
According to Ghana News Agency, the health workers were recruited to address Antigua’s nursing shortage, with the government expecting them to significantly improve service delivery and reduce pressure on existing staff. The recruitment process was carried out in collaboration with the Government of Ghana and governed by a memorandum of understanding and a service agreement.
Antigua’s Minister of Health, Sir Molwyn Joseph, announced that the nurses will be deployed mainly to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, as well as to community health clinics and schools. This move is expected to strengthen both hospital and community-based healthcare delivery.
The Ghana Labour Exchange Programme is a key initiative under President John Dramani Mahama’s vision of structured labour export and global workforce development. The programme aims to position Ghana as a reputable source of ethical, professional, and skilled labour for international markets.
The departure of these health workers highlights Ghana’s growing role in the global healthcare workforce, with many Ghanaian nurses and health professionals seeking opportunities abroad. According to reports, over 66% of Ghanaian health workers are considering jobs abroad due to various factors, including staffing backlog and limited job opportunities locally.
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Author: Korkor Anumu
