Over 20,000 graduates who have passed their licensing examinations and are in good standing with the Allied Health Professions Council are now without employment.

The Council is decrying this situation, fueled by rampant migration of mature professionals to seek greener pastures overseas.

Leaders accuse the government of discrimination in recruitment.

The Allied Health Professions Council of Ghana is a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament, to regulate the training and practice of Allied Health Professions in the country.

This year, 2,536 newly qualified allied health graduates in various professions have been inducted and sworn into the profession.

The Council, however, fears the new graduates will add to the stagnant pool of allied health professionals without jobs in the country.

Acting Registrar of the Allied Health Professions Council, Dr. Daniel Atta-Nyarko is advocating equity and fairness in the recruitment to make up for the rampant relocation of members.

“As a matter of urgency, take a critical look at the recruitment of health professionals, especially Allied Professionals in the Country. I am not sure the government prioritizes other health professionals over others.

“The Council is concerned with the growing number of trainees without commensurable employment opportunities both in the public and private sectors. The Council is therefore calling on the government to partner with the Council in streamlining the numbers of trainees to ensure quality training for quality service delivery,” he said.

Dr. Daniel Atta-Nyarko made these comments at the induction and oath swearing ceremony for newly qualified allied health graduates, held in Kumasi.

“This ceremony is not just an acceptance into your profession but a reaffirmation of your commitment to excellence and ethical practice. As you take the oath, you pledge to uphold the highest standards of care, to be advocates for patients, and to contribute to the broader goals of quality improvement in healthcare. This oath is a promise to yourself and to those you will serve - a promise to approach your work with integrity, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to making a positive impact,” he said.

The event was themed: “Transforming Healthcare: Allied Health Professionals as Catalysts for Quality Improvement,” highlighting the essential role that allied health professionals play in shaping the future of healthcare in this country, and the world beyond. The induction transitions the new professionals from the training room to the work field; thus ‘studenthood’ to practitioners.

Consultant Medical Laboratory Scientist, Dr. Thomas Kwabena Gyampomah, is charging the professionals to work together, leveraging the power of technology.

“Transformational change in healthcare requires the collective focus of AHPs to address all negative habits via policy changes and advocacy, and with renewed dedication and commitment to duty backed with continuing professional development, quality improvement in healthcare can become just a routine.

“The healthcare landscape is constantly changing. Leveraging technological advances and embracing innovation, including artificial intelligence (AI), offer great opportunities for AHPs to play more critical role in leading the healthcare transformation to deliver exceptional patient care and quality outcomes,” he said.