The government is currently making efforts to avert the looming unemployment crisis brooding in Ghana’s health sector.

Consequently, it is collaborating with other international partners to employ some skilled nurses as well as teachers. On Monday, October 27, the Ghanaian government, represented by Ghana’s Minister of Special Initiatives, Emmanuel Agyekum with with support from Mr Nelson Ndebah Ndebugre from the Office of the President, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during a high-level meeting with Bahamian officials, including Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis.

The bilateral deal is to facilitate the recruitment of Ghanaian teachers and nurses for employment opportunities in the Caribbean nation.

The signing of the MoU was announced in a communique, which highlighted that the new agreement is an important step forward in the partnership between the two countries, citing that Ghana is becoming a leader in sending skilled workers abroad and that the world has confidence in the talent and professionalism of the Ghanaian people.

“At the heart of this MoU is a shared vision aimed at improving cooperation and relations between Ghana and The Bahamas through people-centred development and mutually beneficial cooperation. As part of the initial phase of this collaboration, the recruitment of experienced Ghanaian teachers and nurses to serve in the Bahamas has commenced. This initiative proves that the trust that our international partners have in the quality of Ghanaian educators and healthcare workers, who have consistently demonstrated excellence, discipline, and dedication in shaping minds and healing the nations,” the communique read.

Under the initial phase of the collaboration, experienced Ghanaian teachers and nurses will be recruited to serve in the Bahamas.

It added that the programme is “only the beginning,” noting that the broader agreement provides a framework for future cooperation in commerce, culture, tourism, and human capital exchange.

“This initiative is a win-win for both countries. It opens new pathways for Ghana’s skilled professionals to share expertise and gain global exposure while earning decent livelihoods. For The Bahamas, it ensures access to competent teachers and nurses whose professionalism will enhance their education and health sectors.”

It further assured stakeholders that the welfare and fair treatment of Ghanaian recruits will remain a top priority, adding that recruitment processes will be transparent and the rights and safety of participants fully safeguarded.

“Though the conditions of the MoU remain confidential as part of diplomatic protocol, I would like to point out that its spirit and purpose are rooted in cooperation, respect, and shared prosperity.”

This is not the first time the Bahamas has recruited Ghanaian nurses to work in their country. Last year, the Bahamas' national broadcasting service, the ZNS Network, reported in 2024 that Ghanaian nurses were being recruited to help address staffing shortages in Bahamian hospitals.

According to Health Minister Dr Michael Darville, 18 Ghanaian speciality nurses were expected to arrive in The Bahamas by the end of October 2024 to support facilities like Princess Margaret Hospital and Rand Memorial Hospital, citing that this early recruitment was part of a bilateral healthcare support initiative.

Meanwhile, the MoU between Ghana and the Bahamas comes about just ten days after the government signed a similar deal with Grenada. The agreement with Grenada, however, was for the recruitment of just Ghanaian nurses.

Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, signed the agreement on behalf of Ghana, while his Grenadian counterpart, Joseph Andall, signed on behalf of Grenada, during Grenada’s Prime Minister, Dickon Mitchell’s visit to the Presidency on Friday, October 17.

President John Dramani Mahama, in a speech on Friday, October 17, during a state visit by Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell at the Presidency in Accra, lauded the international recognition of Ghanaian health care professionals and the benefits the agreement stands to bring to both countries.

He said, “In the health sector, Grenada’s interest in recruiting Ghanaian nurses and allied health professionals presents a valuable opportunity for structured collaboration between our two countries. Ghanaian health workers have gained international recognition for their professionalism and their compassion. And we’re keen to explore arrangements that address both our national needs and Grenada’s health priorities.

He added, “I’m pleased that just yesterday, Thursday, October 16, our Foreign Minister, the Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and Honourable Joseph Andall, Foreign Minister of Grenada, co-chaired the inaugural session of the Ghana-Grenada Political Consultations. I’m confident that this mechanism will produce practical outcomes that deepen political, economic, and cultural engagements between our two nations.”

The signing of the MoU comes just days after the Health Minister, Mintah Akandoh raised concerns about the balooning and looming unemployment crisis the sector is anticipated to face citing governments efforts to deal with the challenge.

Early this month, a group of nurses and midwives, who identify as the Coalition of Unpaid Nurses and Midwives, took to the streets to protest over unpaid salaries for the last 10 months since their posting in December 2024.

The Health Ministry responded to their request, promising to settle all arrears by next month.

Speaking on the challenges facing employment in Ghana’s health sector, Mr Akandoh, during an appearance on The Point of View on Channel One TV on Wednesday, October 15, revealed that as more health practitioners graduate each year, the unemployment rate within the sector continues to rise.

He said if measures aren’t taken immediately, Ghana could have as many as 180,000 unemployed trained health professionals by the end of 2028.

According to the Minister, the current number of unemployed health workers stands at around 74,000. However, with thousands more graduating each year, the figure is expected to more than double within the next three years.

“By the end of 2026, we will have an additional 23,000. By the end of 2027, we will have an additional 35,000. By the end of 2028, we will have about 47,000. So by the end of 2028, if we don’t employ anybody, this 74,000 is still outstanding — we will have not less than 180,000 trained and they will be at home,” he said.