Mentapulse Africa recently organized the Ghana Health and Labour Summit 2026 at the University of Ghana, Legon, bringing together policymakers, labour representatives, employers, researchers, and professionals to discuss Ghana's workforce challenges. The summit focused on workplace wellness, decent employment, and the retention of trained professionals. A key issue discussed was the migration of skilled workers and the difficulty some sectors face in retaining experienced professionals.
Deputy Chief of Staff Nana Oye Bampoe Addo addressed the gathering, announcing that the government planned to recruit 16,500 health professionals in 2026. She stated that financial clearance had been secured ahead of the exercise to ensure new recruits would not work without pay. This planned recruitment comes amid concerns about staffing shortages in some health facilities and unemployment among trained health professionals.
However, Ms Bampoe Addo emphasized that recruitment alone would not resolve the challenge of retaining skilled workers. She highlighted the need for working environments that encourage professionals to build their careers in Ghana. Representing the Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Chief Labour Officer Dauda Ibrahim Braimah noted that workers' decisions to remain in the country were shaped by factors beyond salary.
Mr Braimah said that retention depends on quality of life, including housing, security, transportation, and workplace culture. He stated that the Labour Ministry was pursuing reforms to strengthen labour market governance, improve working conditions, and expand access to decent employment. The ministry is also engaging social partners to ensure labour laws and institutions respond to changing workplace realities.
Mr Braimah called for coordinated action among government, employers, educational institutions, professional associations, and workers to address the challenge. He emphasized that employers must invest in their workforce, educational institutions should align training with labour market needs, and workers must commit to continuous professional development. The summit provided a platform for stakeholders to examine how employment policies, workplace conditions, skills development, and worker welfare could contribute to a more sustainable workforce.
Through the gathering, Mentapulse Africa brought health and labour sector concerns into a shared discussion on how Ghana can create decent employment opportunities while encouraging skilled professionals to remain and work in the country. The summit aimed to explore ways to improve working conditions and retain skilled talent. Key stakeholders are expected to implement the recommendations from the summit to address Ghana's workforce challenges.
The event demonstrated the commitment of Mentapulse Africa to address critical issues affecting Ghana's workforce. The organization aims to facilitate dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders to create a more sustainable workforce. By working together, stakeholders can develop effective solutions to Ghana's workforce challenges and create decent employment opportunities that encourage skilled professionals to remain in the country.
Key points
- The summit called for better working conditions to retain skilled professionals in Ghana.
- The government plans to recruit 16,500 health professionals in 2026.
- Retention of skilled workers depends on factors beyond salary, including quality of life and workplace culture.
