Unemployed nurses and midwives in Ghana are being urged to consider entrepreneurship as a viable option while awaiting government postings. This call comes amid a significant backlog of qualified but unemployed health professionals in the country. According to reports, Ghana currently faces a backlog of approximately 74,000 qualified but unemployed health professionals. Experts have warned that this figure could rise to 180,000 by the end of 2028 if decisive measures are not implemented to address the situation.
The retired Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer of the Ghana Adventist Health Service (GAHS), Mrs. Annabella Agyemang Aboagye, made the call at her retirement service. She advised unemployed nurses and midwives to acquire entrepreneurial skills and engage in income-generating ventures that can be sustained even after securing government employment. Mrs. Aboagye emphasized that income from nursing alone may not be sufficient to meet current living conditions, hence the need to develop alternative sources of livelihood.
Mrs. Aboagye further admonished practising nurses and midwives, particularly the younger generation, to discharge their duties with integrity, obedience, and sacrifice. She stressed that nursing and midwifery is not an easy profession, noting that it demands selflessness, compassion, and commitment, but comes with immense blessings when practised diligently. Her words of wisdom were shared during her retirement service organised by the GAHS at the SDA Nursing and Midwifery Training College, Kwadaso.
The Director of the Ghana Adventist Health Services, Dr. James Antwi, also made a significant call during the ceremony. He advocated for the establishment of an Advisory Committee for retirees who remain committed to the health sector and are still strong enough to contribute. According to him, some retirees are still healthy and have great ideas that can help shape policies and improve the health system.
Dr. Antwi noted that creating a structured advisory body would provide a platform for retirees to mentor younger professionals, contribute to policy formulation, and support health service delivery across the country. He lauded Mrs. Aboagye for her immense contributions to the health sector as she retires from active service. Dr. Antwi described her as a dedicated and selfless professional whose commitment has positively impacted health service delivery.
The retirement ceremony, held at the CGC Ceremonial Grounds at Kwadaso, was attended by health professionals, family, friends, and members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. They celebrated Mrs. Aboagye for her years of dedicated service to healthcare delivery in Ghana. The event was a testament to her dedication and hard work in the health sector.
The issue of unemployed nurses and midwives in Ghana remains a pressing concern. With a significant backlog of qualified professionals, there is a need for innovative solutions to address the situation. Encouraging entrepreneurship and creating opportunities for retirees to contribute to the health sector are steps in the right direction. Key initiatives and strategies will be crucial in tackling this challenge and ensuring that Ghana's health sector is adequately staffed.
Key points
- Unemployed nurses and midwives in Ghana are being urged to consider entrepreneurship while awaiting government postings.
- Ghana faces a backlog of approximately 74,000 qualified but unemployed health professionals, with the figure expected to rise to 180,000 by 2028.
- A retired nursing officer has called for unemployed nurses to acquire entrepreneurial skills to develop alternative sources of livelihood.
