The Deputy Minister-designate for Health, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, is advocating for a plan to address the alarming exodus of Ghanaian nurses and healthcare workers from the country.

Speaking before Parliament's Appointments Committee, Acquah expressed concern over the rate at which personnel, especially nurses, are leaving Ghana for opportunities abroad.

He highlighted the need for the government to intervene and capitalise on this trend, which has seen many healthcare professionals seeking employment opportunities outside the country.

He emphasised that while the exodus is worrying, it presents an opportunity for the government to strategize and derive benefits from the situation.

"It is a worry to a lot of us. But I am on record to have said that if these nurses think that there is greener pasture somewhere and they would want to go for it, it will be better that we organise it well for the government to have a benefit therefrom," Mr Acquah stated during the committee hearing on Tuesday, March 12, 2024.

The remarks from Acquah come amid growing concerns about the shortage of healthcare professionals in Ghana, particularly nurses.

Many healthcare facilities in the country have been grappling with staffing challenges, affecting the delivery of quality healthcare services to the population.

President Akufo-Addo announced his ministerial reshuffle on Wednesday, February 14, marking the first major overhaul since assuming office in January 2017.