Ghana grapples with nurse migration; a call to action

In the heart of Ghana’s healthcare system, a silent crisis is unfolding as a significant number of seasoned nurses bid farewell to their homeland.

The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association reveal a staggering exodus, with 732 nurses having left the country since the onset of January 2024 alone.

The President of the Association, Perpetual Ofori Ampofo, disclosed in an interview with Citi News that this alarming trend is not a new phenomenon.

Reflecting on the past, she highlighted that over 8,000 trained nurses departed Ghana in 2003, setting the stage for a chronic issue. What’s more troubling, she notes, is that the professionals leaving today are not novices in their field; instead, they carry with them years of valuable experience.

“January 2024, we have had 732 already going through our offices with the intention of moving out. When we look at last year, the whole of last year in total we had a close of 8,000 who actually were in the process, and I’m sure by now a number of them have left. It is worrying because, for me, those who are leaving are not those who have 1 year or no experience in the practice. These are the ones who have a number of years of experience.”

Simultaneously, the Rotational Nurses and Midwifery Association have issued a stern two-week ultimatum to the government, demanding the release of financial clearance for the payment of its members to avert a potential strike. The association, grappling with unpaid allowances exceeding GH¢12,000 for the July batch of Rotational Nurses and Midwives, decries the government’s neglect as a threat to their health, social well-being, and the future of the Ghanaian health sector.

Last year, more than 1,200 Ghanaian nurses reportedly joined the United Kingdom’s nursing register, exacerbating the strain on the local healthcare system. Additionally, about 150 experienced nurses and health professionals from Pantang Hospital have sought opportunities abroad, further emphasizing the magnitude of the issue.

Ghana’s healthcare sector stands at a critical crossroads, grappling with an unprecedented departure of experienced nursing professionals. The nation faces the urgent task of addressing the root causes of this healthcare exodus to safeguard the well-being of its citizens and the future of its healthcare infrastructure.

What to do?

As the healthcare community contends with internal challenges, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has acknowledged and actively addressed the issue of brain drain. In June, the GHS announced its commitment to tackling the adverse effects of professionals migrating to other regions or industries. Addressing the healthcare exodus in Ghana requires a multi-faceted approach involving government interventions, policy reforms, and collaborative efforts from various stakeholders.

Here are 10 recommendations for addressing the healthcare exodus:

Retain and motivate healthcare professionals

The government should implement strategies to retain experienced nurses, such as offering competitive salaries, benefits, and opportunities for career advancement. Introduce retention bonuses and other incentives to encourage nurses to stay within the country.

Improvement of working conditions

The migration of over 4,000 nurses from Ghana to Europe between January and July 2023 is attributed by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) to the inadequate improvement in working conditions. GRNMA President, Perpetual Ofori Ampofo, notes that the issue of subpar salaries and a lack of respect for healthcare professionals extends beyond Ghana to the wider African context. “The truth of the matter is that our salaries in Ghana as nurses and midwives are not the best. But I also know that it is not only Ghana. Within the sub-region, within Africa as a whole, it is the same issue.”

To curb this trend, urgent attention is needed to enhance working conditions in healthcare facilities, creating a safe and supportive environment, and ensuring sufficient staffing levels to alleviate workload and prevent burnout among healthcare workers.

Invest in education and training

In 2005, a shortage of nurses due to many seeking opportunities abroad led to a government ban on nurses travelling overseas. Effective measures, including funding nursing education with a requirement for a five-year work bond, successfully increased the nurse workforce by 2015, prompting the end of the bond. However, recent reports of a significant nurse exodus necessitate an immediate review to implement measures to address the issue.

This, I believe, is calling for the need to increase investment in nursing education and training programs to ensure an ample supply of qualified professionals. Establish continuous professional development initiatives to keep nurses abreast of the latest medical advancements.

Address economic and social factors

They should be collaborating with the government and other sectors to improve the overall economic conditions of healthcare professionals.

Implement measures to address social factors that contribute to the decision to migrate, such as housing, education, and healthcare for their families.

Policy reforms

Review and update immigration policies to ensure that healthcare professionals are adequately recognized and supported.

Collaborate with international bodies to regulate and monitor recruitment practices to prevent unethical poaching of healthcare professionals.

Enhance job satisfaction

Conduct regular surveys and assessments to understand the concerns and needs of healthcare professionals.

Implement measures to improve job satisfaction, including recognition programs and opportunities for professional growth.

Encourage Public-Private Partnerships

Foster collaborations between the public and private sectors to create a more robust healthcare system. Explore partnerships with international organizations to bring in expertise and resources to strengthen local healthcare infrastructure.

Create support systems

Establish support systems, such as counselling services and peer support groups, to address the emotional and psychological challenges faced by healthcare professionals.

Utilize technology

Integrate technology into healthcare delivery to improve efficiency and effectiveness, reducing the burden on healthcare professionals. Provide training and resources to healthcare professionals to adapt to technological advancements.

Promote Research and Data Collection

Invest in research to understand the root causes of nurse migration and inform evidence-based policymaking.

Establish a comprehensive database to track healthcare professionals and assess the impact of migration on the healthcare sector.

In conclusion, the ongoing healthcare exodus demands a proactive approach to safeguard the well-being of citizens and the future of Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure. The issue extends beyond Ghana’s borders, requiring collaborative efforts, policy reforms, and investments in the healthcare workforce to address the root causes of migration.