A group of Ghanaian medical graduates who completed their studies in Cuba on 22 July are still waiting to return home due to repeated delays. They have appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to intervene and facilitate their return. The graduates, who finished their studies nearly two months ago, have had their departure postponed several times, with initial departure dates set for 28 August and later dates in September.
The delay in their return is causing significant challenges for the graduates, including financial difficulties and psychological stress. According to Raphael Oteng Boakye, president of the recently graduated Ghanaian doctors in Cuba, six months of stipends are outstanding, and despite assurances that funds for four months have been made available, the money has yet to reach them. Additionally, the graduates have not received their annual $360 book allowance for five years.
The uncertainty surrounding their return has been exacerbated by the expiration of their student ID cards on 31 August and issues with power and water in their residences. Some graduates have also struggled to access medical care since their health insurance expired. Mr Oteng Boakye expressed frustration that meetings with officials from the Ghana Scholarship Authority and Ghana's diplomatic mission in Cuba have not yielded a confirmed departure date.
The graduates are eager to return home and integrate into Ghana's health system. They are required to complete a six-month clinical attachment before sitting for the medical licensing examination. Mr Oteng Boakye emphasized that the group's immediate demand is for President Mahama to intervene and arrange their return as soon as possible. They also request that the government clear the outstanding stipends and allowances and cover the cost of their first attempt at the medical licensing examination.
The graduates' situation has become increasingly dire, with many experiencing psychological stress due to the prolonged uncertainty. Mr Oteng Boakye appealed to the government to take urgent action to resolve their situation. The group is seeking a definitive timeline for their departure and a commitment from the government to support their transition back to Ghana.
According to Mr Oteng Boakye, the graduates have been told that their departure is being arranged, but they have yet to see any concrete evidence of this. He expressed skepticism about the government's assurances, stating that they have been given promises before that have not been fulfilled. The graduates are seeking tangible action from the government to address their concerns.
The Ghanaian government's response to the graduates' appeal remains unclear. The group's situation highlights the challenges faced by Ghanaian students studying abroad and the need for effective support systems to ensure their successful reintegration into the country's workforce. Key issues, including outstanding stipends and allowances, expired student ID cards, and access to medical care, must be addressed to resolve the graduates' situation.
Key points
- Ghanaian medical graduates stranded in Cuba seek President Mahama's intervention
- Outstanding stipends and allowances are a major concern for the graduates
- The delay in their return is causing significant challenges, including psychological stress and difficulties integrating into Ghana's health system
