The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has raised concerns over the lack of consultation regarding the government’s recent Labour Export Programme.
The first batch of 121 health professionals recently departed Ghana for Antigua and Barbuda under the initiative.
According to the GRNMA, there was no official communication or engagement from authorities before the nurses were recruited and approved. Public Relations Officer for the GRNMA, Mr. Philimon Gyapong, disclosed that the Association was completely bypassed during the selection process.
“We were not part of the process toward the selection of the beneficiaries, so I cannot state whether it is good or bad,” Gyapong stated. “However, we have held discussions with authorities, and they have admitted it was an error not to have engaged us. They have assured us that, going forward, we will be consulted.”
Mr Gyapong noted that while the Association had been involved in previous government-led recruitment drives, they were sidelined for this specific Caribbean deployment.
Beyond the lack of communication, the GRNMA highlighted two major concerns saying many of those sent abroad are highly experienced professionals, which could create a gap in the local healthcare system.
The Association urged the government to improve domestic working conditions to discourage nurses and midwives from seeking “greener pastures” elsewhere.
The GRNMA also called on the government to provide financial clearance for the backlog of over 80,000 trained nurses and midwives currently unemployed at home.
In response, the government has promised to increase training opportunities for specialist nurses and midwives.
The 121 health professionals—specializing in midwifery, mental health, and general healthcare—represent the first batch of the initiative.
Health Minister Kwabena Mintah-Akandoh explained that the program aims to address the surplus of trained professionals in Ghana. While Antigua and Barbuda is the first beneficiary, the Minister revealed plans to extend the programme to other Caribbean nations in the future.
