The Government of Ghana has secured a new pathway for qualified Ghanaian nurses 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 Ministries of Health and Labour, Jobs and Employment, follows months of technical discussions with US counterparts and paves the way for detailed arrangements for the ethical recruitment and deployment of Ghanaian health professionals, particularly nurses.
Under the partnership, arrangements will be developed to facilitate the recruitment and deployment of eligible Ghanaian health workers while ensuring that their rights, welfare and professional interests are protected.
The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, said the agreement was not merely about recruitment but also about safeguarding the interests of Ghanaian health professionals who participate in the programme.
He stressed that any deployment arrangement must protect the rights, welfare and professional interests of Ghanaian health workers.
According to the Minister, the initiative forms part of the Ministry’s broader efforts to secure credible and decent international employment opportunities for Ghanaian health professionals in line with Ghana’s Migration Policy and international standards.
He said the partnership also builds on the existing Sister-City relationship between Accra and Columbus, as well as the Ghana Labour Exchange Programme.
The Minister assured that the government would continue to pursue partnerships capable of creating decent employment opportunities for Ghanaian health professionals abroad while ensuring that those recruited receive appropriate protection.
He said such engagements would be guided by Ghana’s Migration Policy, international best practices and global standards, with particular attention to the welfare and professional rights of participating health workers.
The MoU, dated September 15, 2026, is expected to provide the framework for further discussions on the practical arrangements governing the recruitment and deployment process.
