President John Dramani Mahama has announced that government will recruit 16,000 nurses to strengthen healthcare delivery and improve staffing levels across the country, with priority given to underserved communities.
He said the recruitment would be carried out in two phases of 8,000 nurses each to ensure newly trained professionals are employed without prolonged delays.
Speaking at the launch of the Free Primary Healthcare Programme at the Ho Municipal Hospital on Thursday, July 16, President Mahama said the initiative forms part of government’s commitment to improving access to quality healthcare.
“We are therefore providing clearance for the recruitment of 16,000 nurses in two batches. The first batch will be 8,000 nurses, followed by another 8,000, so that young people completing their training will not have to wait for long periods before being posted,” he said.
The President explained that many of the nurses would be deployed to areas where health workers are most needed.
“However, the condition is that many of those being recruited will be sent to underserved areas where healthcare needs are greatest,” he stated.
President Mahama urged nurses and other health professionals to remain committed to providing quality and compassionate care, regardless of where they are posted.
He also assured them that government would continue working to improve their conditions of service as the country’s economic situation improves.
“I have assured the Minister that as the economy continues to improve, we will continue to work towards improving your conditions of service so that you are encouraged and motivated to continue the important work you do,” he said.
The President praised the staff and management of the Ho Municipal Hospital for their dedication over the past 100 years, describing health professionals as essential to the country’s development because of the critical role they play in saving lives and caring for patients.
