Ghana, Columbus partner to create U.S. recruitment pathway for nurses

Story by: Regina Bless

The Government of Ghana has secured a new pathway for qualified Ghanaian nurses and other health professionals to access employment opportunities in the United States following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the City of Columbus, Ohio.

The agreement, signed by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment, follows months of technical discussions with U.S. counterparts and is expected to pave the way for detailed arrangements on the ethical recruitment and deployment of Ghanaian health professionals, particularly nurses.

The Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, said the partnership goes beyond simply recruiting health workers, stressing that any deployment arrangement must protect the rights, welfare and professional interests of Ghanaian health professionals.

He explained that the initiative forms part of efforts by the Ministry of Health to create credible and decent international employment opportunities for Ghanaian health professionals, while ensuring compliance with Ghana’s Migration Policy, international standards and best practices.

The partnership builds on the existing Sister-City relationship between Accra and Columbus, as well as the Ghana Labour Exchange Programme.

According to the Minister, the government will continue pursuing international partnerships that provide decent employment opportunities for Ghanaian health professionals abroad while ensuring that those recruited receive appropriate protection and support.

The agreement is expected to create a structured pathway for qualified Ghanaian nurses seeking opportunities in the U.S., while promoting ethical recruitment practices and the protection of health workers’ professional rights.

The development comes amid growing international demand for skilled healthcare professionals and could provide Ghanaian nurses with additional opportunities to advance their careers while contributing their expertise to healthcare systems abroad.