Mrs. Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, President of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), urged the government to address local nursing and midwifery shortages before deploying professionals abroad. Ghana currently employs about 140,000 nurses and midwives, which is severely inadequate for a population exceeding 35 million people.
This call comes amidst significant shortages, particularly in specialized and critical care nursing fields across Ghana’s hospitals. Mrs. Ofori-Ampofo emphasized the need for retaining skilled healthcare workers in Ghana to strengthen the local health system. The government’s present approach to international deployment overlooks these existing domestic deficits.
This situation highlights a critical challenge within Ghana's public health sector and its workforce planning strategies. Ghana's healthcare system struggles with a low nurse-to-patient ratio, impacting service quality and accessibility nationwide. Data suggests that current numbers fall far below international benchmarks, creating strain on existing medical facilities. The debate over international deployment versus local retention mirrors a broader economic challenge of retaining skilled professionals across various sectors in Ghana.
Mrs. Ofori-Ampofo made her appeal at a National Dialogue on Global Labour Mobility and Bilateral Labour Arrangements in Ghana. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Ghana organized this two-day event in Accra. She stated, “As a country, we must also create those retention strategies that can attract them to stay rather than opt to move out.” The GRNMA also seeks enhanced engagement from the government on policies affecting healthcare professionals.
The government must now consider implementing robust retention strategies and prioritizing local healthcare recruitment. Decision-makers need to address systemic challenges within the health sector to prevent further brain drain of essential medical staff. This includes improving working conditions, providing career development opportunities, and offering competitive remuneration to healthcare professionals. Future international labour agreements will likely face increased scrutiny regarding their impact on Ghana's domestic workforce.
Addressing the nurse shortage can also stabilize the healthcare system, improving public health outcomes and productivity. The Minister of Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr. Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo, mentioned strengthening the governance framework for labour mobility. His ministry aims to ensure the rights of Ghanaian migrant workers are protected, positioning labour mobility as a strategic asset. Resolving the domestic shortage will be critical for Ghana to fully benefit from any international labour agreements without compromising its own health infrastructure.
The Ministry’s proposed reforms in policy, legal, and institutional frameworks for labour mobility must consider the GRNMA’s concerns. Failing to do so could weaken Ghana’s health system and negatively affect its citizens. A balanced approach would support both international opportunities and robust domestic healthcare services. This situation will continue to be a key indicator of the government’s commitment to public welfare and strategic workforce planning.