The Minister for Health, Hon Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening Ghana’s nurses and midwifery workforce, recognizing their crucial role in the country’s healthcare system.
He made the statement at the maiden African Nurses and Midwives Confederation conference in Accra, under the theme “African Nurses and Midwives, Fostering Health for All in Africa”.
The event was organized to build leadership skills of African nursing leaders and strengthen the collaboration between the African Nurses and midwives in learning best practices and standards to effectively play their role in improving health systems.
He indicated that amid rising health challenges, including ongoing outbreaks of Cerebrospinal Meningitis in the northern belt and Cholera in parts of the Central Region, there is the need for a well-equipped healthcare workforce, emphasizing the importance to invest in training, resources, and better working conditions, which are essential for effective disease prevention and management.
He revealed that the World Health Organization’s upcoming State of the World’s Nursing Report is set for release on May 12, 2025. The report is expected to provide critical insights into the global nursing workforce, focusing on education, employment, migration, and leadership, helping policymakers make informed decisions to strengthen healthcare systems.
To address the increasing migration of Ghanaian nurses to the Global North, the government is implementing strategies to improve retention, including stabilizing the economy, enhancing employment opportunities, and offering better incentives for healthcare professionals in underserved areas. Additionally, Ghana is negotiating bilateral agreements with countries such as the UK, USA, Barbados, and Kuwait to facilitate managed migration while maintaining a robust healthcare workforce at home, the minister outlined.
Countering recent concerns about job security, the minister reassured healthcare workers that no nurse or midwife recruited last year would be dismissed. He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to sustain and expand the healthcare workforce to ensure Ghana meets its Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
International guests at the conference were encouraged to experience Ghana’s rich culture and hospitality while engaging in discussions that shape the future of healthcare across Africa.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Kwabena Nyarko Abronoma
