The Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, says that over 13 countries have expressed formal interest in recruiting Ghanaian health workers.

According to him, the government is developing a policy framework to manage the growing international demand while protecting the country’s health sector.

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series at the Jubilee House on Friday, July 18, Mr Akandoh described the development as a “managed migration opportunity” and stressed that Ghana’s approach will ensure that any overseas recruitment directly benefits both the national health system and the professionals involved.

“We are formulating policies to ensure these benefits are fairly distributed to both our health system and our professionals,” the minister said.

He noted that while the demand for Ghanaian health workers continues to rise abroad, the government is simultaneously investing in their professional development and welfare at home.

Mr Akandoh further highlighted several domestic measures aimed at strengthening Ghana’s health workforce, including clearing salary arrears for 321 pharmacist house officers who completed training in 2024, and prioritising the recruitment of 1,621 qualified pharmacists still awaiting permanent employment.

“This is just one example of our broader commitment to clearing the backlog across all health worker cadres,” he said.

“We want every qualified professional to have the chance to serve and strengthen Ghana’s health system.”

As part of long-term reforms, the minister announced that the government has signed Conditions of Service agreements with health unions and is revising curricula in training institutions to align with national health priorities.

He said specialist nursing programs are being expanded, and general nursing schools are being converted into specialised training centers.

“These steps are crucial to ensuring a motivated and skilled workforce capable of meeting the changing health needs of our population,” Mr Akandoh added.