Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has warned that Ghana could have as many as 180,000 unemployed trained health professionals by the end of 2028 if no immediate steps are taken to address the growing backlog.
According to the Minister, the current number of unemployed health workers stands at around 74,000. However, with thousands more graduating each year, the figure is expected to more than double within the next three years.
“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.
The Minister made the comments during an interview on The Point of View on Channel One TV, as part of discussions around ongoing employment challenges in the health sector.
He explained that government is working on a gradual recruitment strategy and exploring international opportunities to manage the growing numbers.
“So there is a strategy going forward. What we are seeking to do now is that gradually, government will be employing some of them as we move along,” he said.
Mr. Akandoh also revealed plans to explore “managed migration” by partnering with other countries interested in hiring Ghanaian health 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, they need a specialist,” he added.
He also revealed that Ghana would need not less than GHS6 billion annually to clear the existing backlog of unemployed health professionals.
The comments come amid growing pressure from unemployed nurses and midwives demanding placement, and criticism from the Minority in Parliament over how the government is handling health sector employment.
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