Clearing the Backlog: A Critical Step Toward Strengthening Ghana’s Health Workforce

The Ministry of Health has reaffirmed its commitment to resolving the growing unemployment crisis among health professionals, with over 70,000 qualified practitioners currently awaiting employment nationwide. At the Government Accountability Series on Friday, July 18, Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh acknowledged the scale and urgency of the issue, assuring the public that concrete steps are being taken to clear the backlog and reinforce the country’s overstretched health workforce.

Ghana’s healthcare system, already burdened by shortages in staffing, suffers deeply from this disconnect. According to the World Health Organization, Ghana’s doctor-to-population ratio stands at approximately 1:8,000, far below the recommended 1:1,000. In many districts, especially in rural and underserved areas, one nurse may be responsible for over 150 patients. Yet, despite the need, thousands of trained professionals, including nurses, midwives, pharmacists, lab technicians, and physician assistants, remain idle due to limited financial clearance, bureaucratic delays, and inadequate absorption capacity within public facilities.

Minister Akandoh reported that over 10,000 nurses and midwives have been engaged within the past six months. Additionally, salary arrears for 321 Pharmacist House Officers from the 2024 cohort are currently being processed. He also noted that 1,621 pharmacists await permanent placement, with recruitment prioritized under ongoing workforce strengthening efforts.

These figures highlight not only progress but also the magnitude of the gap. The prolonged underemployment of health workers directly affects patient care, leading to long waiting times, overstretched personnel, reduced service quality, and preventable complications or deaths. Facilities that lack adequate staff are often forced to cut down on critical services such as maternal care, child immunisation, and emergency response.

The Turning Point Foundation urges the government to accelerate recruitment and prioritise investment in healthcare personnel across all cadres. Health workers are not just employees—they are the foundation of effective care. Without a fully deployed and supported workforce, Ghana’s health system cannot meet the needs of its growing population or respond to emerging public health threats.

We call on policymakers, partners, and civil society to join in demanding sustained action and investment. Clearing the backlog is not just a numbers game—it is a step toward realizing the constitutional promise of health for all.