Government is currently considering a policy response about admissions and recruitment into the country’s health care institutions, the Health Minister has said.

According to statistics available, every year Ghana admits about 34,000–35,000 students into nursing and health training institutions, but the government only recruits around 14,000–16,000 health workers annually, leaving a backlog of ~18,000–20,000 graduates annually who remain unemployed or underemployed.

Consequently, Mintah Akandoh has revealed that, to tackle this, admissions into health institutions may be reduced to help decrease the number of graduates produced annually, which far exceeds the needs of health facilities.

“We must start analysing our admissions into nursing training colleges. What's the point of training more if we cannot recruit them? On average, they [nursing training colleges] admit 34,000 to 35,000 students every year. However, the absorption rate is not proportional to the admissions. So, the government is reviewing that, " he said at the Volta Regional launch of the Free Primary Healthcare Policy in Ho.

He believes that, given the current state of healthcare facilities, funds saved from this proposed reduction in admissions to health institutions may be used to purchase equipment to strengthen healthcare delivery across the country.

“But it' s up to all of us. Whether to continue on this path or to drop that quota and invest in equipment. Then we can include more people. This is something for all of us to consider, " Mr Akandoh explained.

The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, called for collective efforts to ensure the policy's success.

“Through the implementation of the primary healthcare strategy, we aim to improve health outcomes, reduce inequalities in access to healthcare services, and move steadily towards achieving universal health coverage.

“The successful implementation of primary healthcare requires a whole- of- society approach. It calls for shared responsibility, strong partnerships, and active community involvement. Together, we can build a healthier Volta region, where every citizen has the opportunity to lead a productive and fulfilling life,” he said.

The Free Primary Healthcare Policy currently covers services at the CHPS Compounds and Health Centres, which are being piloted in 150 districts, with 5 from the Volta Region.

During the launch, the health minister handed over medical equipment, tricycles, and bicycles for distribution among the five beneficiary districts in the Volta Region.

Govt announces recruitment of about 8,000 health workers

The Ministry of Health has announced that the government will recruit about 16,000 health workers this year, citing that clearance has been secured for about half the intended number while efforts are underway for the remainder.

In compliance with public financial management laws and administrative practices designed to keep government spending within approved limits, the Finance Ministry is expected to give approval for the release of funds for recruitment and payment of salaries.

“The Ministry of Health wishes to inform the public that, as part of the government's deliberate effort to absorb trained health professionals, plans are underway to recruit between 16,000 health workers this year. Financial clearance has been secured for about 8,000 so far, with efforts ongoing to obtain the remainder,” the Ministry noted in a formal statement shared on Wednesday, April 29.

According to the Ministry, the government will not recruit any health worker without a budgetary provision for their salaries.

“No health worker will be engaged without financial provision”, it continued.

Also, it announced the payment of two months' arrears with a pledge to pay the next arrears covering three months, i.e., May to July 2026.

The health authority expressed appreciation to affected nurses, highlighting the government’s commitment to strengthening the healthcare workforce and healthcare delivery nationwide.

“The Ministry of Health is pleased to announce that, in line with its commitment, two-month arrears for newly recruited nurses have been duly paid. The Ministry further wishes to assure all affected personnel that the next payment will be made in 3 monthly instalments, from May to July 2026, as announced earlier.

“The Ministry appreciates the patience and cooperation of all stakeholders and remains committed to strengthening the health workforce for improved service delivery,” parts of the statement read.

It continued that “Individuals experiencing any form of challenges or requiring clarification are advised to contact the Human Resource for Health Development Directorate of the Ministry of Health for assistance”.

“ The Ministry of Health wishes to inform the public that, as part of the government's deliberate effort to absorb trained health professionals, plans are underway to recruit between 16,000 health workers this year. Financial clearance has been secured for about 8,000 so far, with efforts ongoing to obtain the remainder,” the Ministry continued.

To avoid a recurrence of recruiting nurses and later owing them salaries, the Ministry said it will not employ any health worker without prior budget approval, adding that recruitment will be done in phases.

“ No health worker will be engaged without financial provision. These clearances have been distributed across the various health cadres to facilitate the gradual absorption of personnel into the health system,” it noted.