A group of Ghanaian medical graduates who completed their studies in Cuba are calling on President John Dramani Mahama to intervene in securing their return to Ghana. The graduates, who finished their studies on July 22, have been stuck in Cuba for nearly two months due to uncertainty over their departure. They had initially been scheduled to return on August 28, but several subsequent dates have been postponed. The graduates are facing financial difficulties and disruptions to their plans to join Ghana's health system.
The President of the recently graduated Ghanaian doctors in Cuba, Raphael Oteng Boakye, expressed frustration over the repeated postponements. He stated that proposed departure dates, including September 3 or 4, September 7, September 9, and September 15 or 17, have not materialized. In an interview with Citi News Digest on September 19, Mr. Oteng Boakye urged President Mahama to intervene to ensure the graduates' safe return home. He emphasized that the President's intervention is crucial in resolving the situation.
The delay in the graduates' return is causing significant challenges, including difficulties accessing healthcare and expired health insurance coverage. Additionally, their student identification cards expired on August 31, and some graduates have reported challenges with electricity and water at their residences. The prolonged stay in Cuba has also disrupted their plans to begin the process required to practice medicine in Ghana, which includes a six-month clinical attachment and a medical licensing examination.
The graduates have engaged with officials from the Ghana Scholarship Authority and Ghana's diplomatic mission in Cuba to resolve the situation. However, these discussions have yet to yield a confirmed date for their departure. Mr. Oteng Boakye expressed frustration over the lack of a definite timeline, stating that the graduates are struggling to cope with the uncertainty.
The graduates are seeking government assistance to facilitate their immediate return, settle outstanding stipends and allowances, and help with the cost of their first attempt at the medical licensing examination. They are also facing emotional and financial strain due to the prolonged stay in Cuba. Mr. Oteng Boakye emphasized that the graduates would appreciate government intervention to alleviate their psychological stress and facilitate their return home.
The situation highlights the challenges faced by Ghanaian students studying abroad, particularly in terms of logistical support and communication. The graduates' plight has underscored the need for effective coordination between government agencies and diplomatic missions to ensure the safe return of citizens.
The Ghanaian government's response to the graduates' appeal remains unclear. However, the graduates continue to hope for a swift resolution to their situation, enabling them to return home and begin their medical careers in Ghana. Key issues, including the need for government intervention, the impact of the delay on the graduates' plans, and the challenges faced by Ghanaian students abroad, require attention and resolution.
Key points
- The Ghanaian medical graduates in Cuba are seeking government intervention to facilitate their immediate return home.
- The delay in the graduates' return is causing significant challenges, including financial difficulties and disruptions to their plans to join Ghana's health system.
- The graduates are facing emotional and financial strain due to the prolonged stay in Cuba.
