Sixty-one Ghanaian health workers have departed for Grenada to take up two-year employment contracts under the government’s Labour Export Programme, with the government urging them to uphold professionalism and protect the country’s reputation while working abroad.
The Minister of Labour, Jobs and Employment, Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum, said the conduct and performance of the health workers would be critical to sustaining and expanding the country’s labour export opportunities, particularly as more countries sought to recruit Ghanaian nurses.
“I just want to tell you that your conduct is key.
The minister told the health workers at a send-off ceremony at Terminal 3 of the Accra International Airport yesterday, where he and the Chief of Staff, Dr Julius Debrah, joined other officials to see off the 61-member cohort.
High demand
Mr Agyekum said the demand for Ghanaian nurses was significant, with one country currently seeking about 2,000 nurses.
He disclosed that the government had already signed an agreement with a state in the United States to facilitate the recruitment of Ghanaian nurses, while another US state, Illinois, was also interested in entering into a similar agreement.
He said Trinidad and Tobago was also demanding Ghanaian nurses, while Germany was expected to engage Ghana in November towards a recruitment agreement.
He said the government would continue to explore labour export opportunities as part of efforts to create employment for skilled Ghanaians while meeting workforce needs in destination countries.
Resisting bad influence
Mr Agyekum urged the health workers to complete their contracts in Grenada and resist pressure from others who might seek to persuade them to abandon their engagements for opportunities elsewhere.
He cited the performance of Ghanaian nurses in countries such as The Bahamas, Antigua and Barbados as examples the new cohort should emulate.
The minister said Ghanaian nurses in The Bahamas were regarded as among the best, while those in Antigua had earned a reputation for making significant contributions to the country’s healthcare system.
“Be professional. Just let us, I mean, display the normal conduct of Ghanaians, the character of Ghanaians.
And I believe together we'll be able to do this and let the whole world know that we have the best nurses in the world,” he added.
The Chief of Staff, Dr Julius Debrah, who represented the President at the ceremony, urged the health workers to ensure that their conduct complemented their professional qualifications and brought honour to the country .
He said their success in Grenada would not only benefit them individually but could also influence the prospects of other Ghanaian professionals seeking opportunities abroad.
Dr Debrah reminded them that while their certificates and qualifications could secure opportunities, their character would determine whether those opportunities were sustained.
He urged them to work diligently and ensure that Ghanaians in Grenada were remembered for excellence.
“Your certificate or your qualification may open the door for you, but your character will determine how long the door will keep open,” he said.
