Mahama announces recruitment of 16,000 nurses in two batches to strengthen healthcare

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President John Dramani Mahama has announced the recruitment of 16,000 nurses in two batches as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery across Ghana, with a particular focus on underserved communities.

Speaking at the launch of the Free Primary Healthcare Programme at the Ho Municipal Hospital in the Volta Region on Thursday, July 16, the President directed the Ministry of Health to reopen its recruitment portal to absorb the nurses in two phases of 8,000 each.

“Right now, we’re giving him clearance to open the portal to absorb 16,000 nurses in two batches. First batch is 8,000, the second batch is 8,000, so that young people completing their training will not have to wait for long periods before being posted,” President Mahama said.

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Focus on underserved communities

The President made clear that deployment would prioritise areas with the greatest healthcare needs.

“However, the condition is that many of those being recruited will be sent to underserved areas where healthcare needs are greatest,” he added.

The announcement builds on the President’s State of the Nation Address in February, when he appealed to health workers to accept postings to underserved communities, describing it as a “national call to duty”. At the time, he revealed that when his administration assumed office in early 2025, thousands of trained health professionals were awaiting placement on the government payroll.

Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh said the ministry was considering incentives to encourage health professionals to accept rural postings, including faster promotions for those serving in underserved areas compared to their urban counterparts. The ministry has also introduced post-basic nursing programmes in specialised fields, including oncology and critical care nursing, to build capacity.

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‘This is what real resetting looks like’

The announcement has been widely welcomed, with many describing it as a significant step towards addressing the long-standing backlog of qualified but unemployed nurses. Public reaction has largely praised the move as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to healthcare delivery.

However, there are also calls for the recruitment process to be transparent and merit-based. Some have expressed concerns about past instances where appointments were allegedly influenced by favouritism rather than competence, urging the government to ensure that only properly trained and qualified professionals are recruited.

President Mahama acknowledged these concerns implicitly by emphasising that the recruitment would provide opportunities for qualified and licensed nurses who have been waiting for postings.

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Conditions of service to improve

The President assured health workers that the government remained committed to improving their conditions of service as the economy recovers.

“I have assured the Minister that as the economy continues to improve, we will continue to work towards improving your conditions of service so that you are encouraged and motivated to continue the important work you do,” he said.

President Mahama praised nurses and other health professionals for their contribution to healthcare delivery, describing them as “one of the country’s most important professional groups” because they care for people at their most vulnerable. Quoting Florence Nightingale, he urged health workers to continue providing compassionate care despite the challenges they face.

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A broader healthcare agenda

The nurse recruitment forms part of a broader strategy to improve access to quality healthcare across the country. In February, Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang revealed that the government had granted financial clearance for the recruitment of approximately 16,000 health workers this year, with about half already in process.

The government has also launched the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as Mahama Care, to support citizens living with chronic and costly illnesses.

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What happens next?

The Ministry of Health is expected to reopen the recruitment portal shortly. The first batch of 8,000 nurses will be recruited, followed by another 8,000. Qualified and licensed nurses who have completed their training and are awaiting posting are encouraged to apply when the portal opens.

For now, the announcement marks a significant step towards clearing the backlog of unemployed health workers and strengthening healthcare delivery in Ghana’s most underserved communities.