Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has disclosed that more than 13 countries have formally expressed interest in recruiting Ghanaian nurses and other qualified health professionals.
Addressing Parliament, the Minister explained that this international interest aligns with the government’s broader strategy to tackle rising unemployment among health workers.
Mr. Akandoh revealed that the actual number of unemployed health personnel is significantly higher than the widely circulated figure of 30,000. In total, 48,878 nurses remain jobless, comprising:
- 15,947 from the 2021 graduating class,
- 17,176 from 2022, and
- 15,755 from 2023.
However, he noted that 15,000 nurses received financial clearance and were recruited in December 2024, although the payroll onboarding process is still ongoing.
He further pointed out that no financial clearance has been granted for allied health professionals since 2019, leaving 21,570 unemployed. Likewise, 1,621 pharmacists have remained jobless since 2019 due to a lack of clearance.
On the situation of medical doctors, the Minister stated that recruitment is underway for over 900 doctors currently awaiting placement.
“This is a serious challenge,” he admitted, “but the government remains committed to resolving it.”
