Gov’t targets recruitment of 16,500 health professionals in 2026

The Ghanaian government has announced ambitious plans to recruit 16,500 health professionals in 2026 as part of its efforts to tackle staffing gaps and enhance healthcare delivery nationwide. Deputy Chief of Staff Nana Oye Bampoe Addo confirmed that financial clearance has been obtained, ensuring new recruits will not face unpaid employment.

Delivering remarks at the Ghana Health and Labour Summit 2026, held at the University of Ghana, Legon, Addo highlighted that this recruitment drive is part of a broader strategy to address various issues plaguing Ghana's health sector, such as unemployment among trained professionals and the exodus of skilled workers abroad.

She emphasized that while increasing the number of health professionals is crucial, it is not sufficient to resolve the talent-retention crisis alone. Bampoe Addo stressed the necessity of establishing environments that foster career development for professionals in Ghana. Chief Labour Officer Dauda Ibrahim Braimah, representing the Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, added that retention is determined by factors beyond pay, including the quality of life aspects like housing, security, transportation, and workplace culture.

He further revealed that the Labour Ministry is undertaking reforms aimed at enhancing labor market governance, improving working conditions, and broadening access to decent employment opportunities. Braimah also called for a collaborative effort from various stakeholders, including government, employers, educational institutions, professional associations, and workers, to tackle these challenges.

He urged employers to invest in their workforce, educational institutions to align their training with industry needs, and workers to commit to continuous professional development.