Story by George Yawson VINEH
The Ministry of Health has secured a new pathway for qualified Ghanaian nurses to access employment opportunities in the United States following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of Ghana and the City of Columbus, Ohio.
The agreement, signed by the Ministries of Health and Labour, Jobs and Employment, follows months of technical discussions with counterparts in the United States.
It is expected to pave the way for detailed arrangements on the ethical recruitment and deployment of Ghanaian health professionals, particularly nurses, to the US.
Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, said the partnership goes beyond providing employment opportunities, stressing that the rights, welfare and professional interests of Ghanaian health workers must be protected throughout the recruitment and deployment process.
He said the initiative forms part of the Ministry’s efforts to create credible and decent international employment opportunities for Ghanaian health professionals while ensuring compliance with Ghana’s Migration Policy and international standards.
According to the Minister, the partnership also builds on the existing Sister-City relationship between Accra and Columbus, as well as the Ghana Labour Exchange Programme.
Mr. Akandoh assured that the government would continue to pursue partnerships capable of creating decent jobs for Ghanaian health professionals abroad.
He stressed that such initiatives would be pursued in line with Ghana’s Migration Policy, international best practices and global standards, while safeguarding the welfare and professional rights of workers recruited under the programme.
The Ministry says the collaboration is expected to provide qualified Ghanaian nurses with opportunities to work abroad through a structured and ethical recruitment framework.
