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Ghana Risks 180,000 Unemployed Health Workers by 2028 — Health Minister Warns

Ghana could be faced with a staggering 180,000 unemployed trained health professionals by the end of 2028 if urgent measures are not implemented, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has cautioned.

Speaking on The Point of View on Channel One TV, Mr Akandoh revealed that the current backlog of unemployed health workers stands at approximately 74,000, a figure projected to more than double over the next three years as new cohorts graduate.

“By the end of 2026, we have an additional 23,000. By the end of 2027, we have an additional 35,000. By the end of 2028, we 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.

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The minister acknowledged the enormity of the challenge and disclosed that the government is working on a phased recruitment strategy, alongside exploring international employment opportunities to absorb some of the workforce.

“What we are seeking to do now is that gradually, the government will be employing some of them as we move along,” he explained.

As part of this approach, Mr Akandoh mentioned plans for “managed migration”, where Ghana would collaborate with other countries seeking healthcare professionals.

“We are also looking at what we call managed migration — how we will be able to export some of them. About 13 countries have responded, but the difficulty is that most of these countries that have responded need a specialist,” he added.

He further revealed that Ghana would require not less than GHS 6 billion annually to clear the existing backlog of unemployed health workers—a figure that underscores the scale of the employment crisis facing the sector.

The minister’s remarks come amid mounting pressure from unemployed nurses and midwives who are demanding immediate postings, as well as growing criticism from the minority in Parliament over the government’s handling of health sector employment.

Mr Akandoh maintained that while the situation is critical, strategic planning and international partnerships offer the best pathway to sustainably addressing the challenge.

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