A group of Ghanaian medical graduates who completed their studies in Cuba on July 22 are appealing to President John Dramani Mahama to intervene and facilitate their immediate return home. The graduates, who were initially scheduled to leave Cuba on August 28, have seen several departure dates postponed, with the latest being September 15 or 17. Raphael Oteng Boakye, president of the recently graduated Ghanaian doctors in Cuba, expressed concerns about the repeated delays, citing financial difficulties and the impact on their plans to integrate into Ghana's health system.
According to Mr. Oteng Boakye, the prolonged stay in Cuba could affect the graduates' plans to complete a six-month clinical attachment before sitting for the medical licensing examination in Ghana. The graduates are required to complete this attachment before pursuing their licensure exam, and further delays could push back the next stages of their professional training and licensing. Mr. Oteng Boakye emphasized that the graduates are eager to return home as soon as possible to undergo their attachments and eventually sit for their licensure exam.
The graduates are facing financial difficulties, with six months of stipends allegedly outstanding. Although they were informed that funding for four of those months had been provided, the money had not yet been paid. Additionally, a $360 annual book allowance had not been paid to the students for five years. The graduates are also seeking government support to cover the cost of their first attempt at the medical licensing examination.
The uncertainty surrounding their return has been compounded by other difficulties, including access to healthcare after their health insurance expired and challenges with electricity and water at their residences. Some graduates are struggling to cope with the situation, and Mr. Oteng Boakye stated that they are going through a lot of psychological stress. The graduates have engaged officials of the Ghana Scholarship Authority and Ghana's diplomatic mission in Cuba over the situation, but so far, no confirmed departure date has been given.
The graduates have appealed to President Mahama to intervene and demand that they be brought home as soon as possible. They are also seeking government support to settle outstanding stipends and allowances, as well as assistance with the cost of their first medical licensing examination attempt. Mr. Oteng Boakye emphasized that the graduates are eager to return home and begin their careers in Ghana's health system.
The situation has been frustrating for the graduates, who have been told stories about their potential return but have yet to see any concrete action. Mr. Oteng Boakye stated that they are no longer sure what to believe, and the uncertainty is taking a toll on their mental health. The graduates are hoping that President Mahama will intervene and help them return home soon.
The Ghanaian government has not yet commented on the situation, but the graduates remain hopeful that their appeal will be heard. They are eager to begin their careers in Ghana's health system and contribute to the country's healthcare needs. The graduates' 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 points
- The Ghanaian medical graduates in Cuba are appealing to President John Dramani Mahama for help in returning home due to repeated delays in their departure.
- The graduates are facing financial difficulties, including outstanding stipends and unpaid book allowances.
- The situation is taking a toll on the graduates' mental health, and they are seeking government support to settle outstanding issues and begin their careers in Ghana's health system.
