Ministry of Health, WHO host National Dialogue to tackle health workforce challenges

The Ministry of Health, with the World Health Organization (WHO), held a two-day National Policy Dialogue. This event focused on key issues affecting Ghana's health workforce.

Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akwandoh shared findings from a recent Health Labour Market Analysis (HLMA). The analysis showed both progress and ongoing challenges in the sector.

Between 2013 and 2022, the number of public sector health workers increased significantly. It rose from 16.56 to 41.92 per 10,000 people. However, nearly 40% of trained health professionals are still unemployed.

The analysis also highlighted a troubling rural-urban imbalance in health worker distribution. Only 38% of health workers are in rural areas, which have over 40% of the population.

Another major issue is the rising migration rate among health workers. From 2020 to 2022, requests for verification to work abroad increased by 232%. In just the first half of 2023, over 5,000 nurses sought verification to leave Ghana.

Minister Akwandoh noted that average monthly earnings for health workers are GH¢2,813. He stated that they believe GH¢3,000 should be the minimum wage. In contrast, health professionals abroad earn nearly GH¢10,000—more than three times the local salary.

The policy dialogue aims to guide decisions that will address these disparities. It seeks to strengthen Ghana’s health workforce, especially in underserved communities.