Govt Plans to Boost Health Job Opportunities Abroad to Ease Unemployment – Akandoh
Health Minister-designate outlines strategy to tackle sector’s job crisis through international migration
- Akandoh stresses the need for international partnerships to address health professional unemployment in Ghana
- Growing migration of health workers seeking better opportunities overseas is increasing
- Critics raise concerns that migration may worsen Ghana's local healthcare challenges
The Health Minister-designate, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has revealed strategies to tackle the rising unemployment among Ghana’s health professionals by facilitating their migration to countries in need of skilled medical workers.
Speaking at his vetting before the Appointments Committee on Friday, January 31, Akandoh acknowledged the severe unemployment issue within the healthcare sector, citing constraints on the country’s wage bill as a key challenge.
He emphasized the importance of forming international partnerships to create job opportunities for Ghanaian health professionals abroad.
“The growing unemployment rate among health workers is concerning. The lack of sufficient funding for wages is a major factor. We must explore global partnerships to open doors for our professionals,” Akandoh stated.
The migration of Ghanaian health workers, particularly nurses, has surged in recent years, as many seek better pay and working conditions overseas.
While this migration is seen as a potential solution for unemployment, concerns linger over its impact on Ghana’s healthcare system.
Critics fear that mass migration could exacerbate the shortage of medical staff, hindering service delivery in local health facilities.
There are also calls for the government to focus on expanding domestic healthcare infrastructure and increasing local job opportunities.
