The Government of Ghana has begun discussions with 13 foreign countries to secure employment opportunities for thousands of Ghanaian nurses who remain jobless despite completing their training.
According to health sector officials, the move is part of a broader strategy to tackle the growing challenge of unemployment in the nursing profession. Currently, Ghana is estimated to have over 70,000 trained nurses who are unemployed, placing a heavy burden on both the healthcare sector and the economy.
The countries being engaged—whose names have not yet been disclosed—are expected to absorb qualified Ghanaian nurses into their health systems. Government officials say these nations are experiencing shortages in healthcare professionals and have expressed interest in Ghana’s surplus of trained personnel.
The arrangement, if successful, will not only provide jobs for unemployed nurses but also boost Ghana’s foreign exchange earnings, as remittances from health workers abroad are projected to rise.
A Ministry of Health representative explained that negotiations are still ongoing, but agreements will be structured to ensure the welfare, salaries, and working conditions of the exported nurses are safeguarded.
“We are working to make sure our nurses find decent jobs abroad while reducing the unemployment pressure at home. Ghana has invested in their training, and this will also strengthen bilateral ties with the partner countries,” the official noted.
While many have welcomed the plan as a practical solution, others argue that the government should equally focus on expanding local health facilities and creating more jobs within the country’s health system. Critics fear that Ghana’s health sector could face shortages in the long term if too many nurses are sent abroad.
The government, however, has assured that the export of nurses will be carefully managed to balance both local and international needs.
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