The Government of Grenada has announced plans to recruit Ghanaian nurses and allied health professionals to help address a worsening shortage of healthcare workers in the Caribbean nation. The initiative aligns with Ghana’s Work Abroad Programme, which seeks to create overseas job opportunities for skilled Ghanaian professionals.
The decision was revealed during the inaugural Ghana–Grenada Political Consultation held in Accra, led by Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, who is on a three-day state visit aimed at deepening bilateral ties between the two countries in areas such as health, education, climate change, trade, and investment.
Grenada’s health crisis
Grenada’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Export Development, Joseph Andall, described the shortage of nurses as one of the country’s most urgent national challenges.
“We welcome this initiative in the area of healthcare, particularly nursing. This is an area in which we face a severe shortage,” he said.
He noted that while Grenada invests heavily in training nurses, many migrate to countries offering higher pay, leaving a significant gap in the health system.
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Partnership through MoU
Mr. Andall disclosed that the two governments are finalising a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to serve as a framework for structured collaboration in health.
“This MoU, when signed, will be a testament to what can be achieved when sisters and brothers come together for mutual assistance,” he said, adding that the partnership reflects a shared Pan-African spirit and commitment to mutual development.
Ghana’s response
Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, welcomed Grenada’s proposal, saying it aligns with Ghana’s efforts to expand employment avenues for healthcare professionals while advancing South–South cooperation.
“On health cooperation, we particularly welcome Grenada’s interest in recruiting Ghanaian nurses and allied health professionals and look forward to the signing of the memorandum of understanding on health cooperation,” he stated.
Mr. Ablakwa added that discussions also covered education and skills development, including efforts to resolve challenges faced by Ghanaian students studying in Grenada under the Scholarship Secretariat.
Strengthening Africa–Caribbean ties
Mr. Andall underscored the importance of deeper collaboration between Africa and the Caribbean, especially for small island nations like Grenada, which has a population of about 120,000.
“We are tiny islands in the Caribbean with very small populations. A rising and strong Africa could help lift our sisters and brothers in South and Central America out of the difficulties they are currently facing,” he said.
Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell’s visit will conclude with a series of high-level engagements with President John Dramani Mahama and other senior government officials, during which several agreements are expected to be formalised to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Ghana and Grenada.
Story By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem