Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has assured healthcare professionals that no nurse or midwife recruited in the previous year will face dismissal.

His reassurance comes amid rising concerns over job security within Ghana’s healthcare sector.

Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has announced the revocation of all public service appointments and recruitments made after December 7, 2024, following the general elections. The directive is expected to impact individuals appointed to various public sector roles during that period.

Speaking at the inaugural African Nurses and Midwives Confederation conference in Accra, themed “African Nurses and Midwives, Fostering Health for All in Africa,” the minister reaffirmed the government’s dedication to strengthening the nursing and midwifery workforce, acknowledging their pivotal role in delivering quality healthcare services.

The conference aimed to enhance leadership skills among African nursing leaders while fostering collaboration to share best practices and elevate healthcare standards across the continent.

Amid growing health challenges—including outbreaks of Cerebrospinal Meningitis in the northern belt and Cholera cases in parts of the Central Region—Mr. Akandoh emphasized the need for a well-equipped and well-supported health workforce.

He also highlighted the upcoming State of the World’s Nursing Report by the World Health Organization, scheduled for release on May 12, 2025. The report is expected to offer valuable insights into the global nursing workforce, covering areas such as education, employment, migration, and leadership to help shape informed healthcare policies.

Addressing the growing trend of Ghanaian nurses migrating to countries in the Global North, the minister outlined measures to curb the exodus. These include efforts to stabilize the economy, improve employment opportunities, and offer better incentives for healthcare professionals, especially in underserved regions.

Additionally, Ghana is negotiating bilateral agreements with nations such as the UK, USA, Barbados, and Kuwait to manage migration effectively while safeguarding the country's healthcare capacity.

The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding the healthcare workforce to meet Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

International participants at the conference were encouraged to immerse themselves in Ghana’s rich cultural heritage while engaging in meaningful discussions aimed at shaping the future of healthcare across Africa.