13,500 Nurses & Midwives Recruited: Akandoh Confirms Massive Health Workforce Boost
Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has announced that the Mahama administration has successfully completed the recruitment of 13,500 nurses and midwives, delivering one of the largest single injections into Ghana’s public health workforce in recent history.
Speaking at the 19th Biennial Conference of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) in Tamale on Wednesday, the Minister confirmed:
“In 2025, the Mahama administration successfully concluded the recruitment process initiated by the previous government by facilitating the enrollment of 13,500 nurses and midwives into the government’s payroll.”
He added that all newly recruited staff who faced salary delays will receive their first payments by the end of November 2025.
Key Highlights from the Minister’s Address
Recruitment backlog from the previous administration fully cleared
Delayed salaries to be paid before December 2025
Negotiated Conditions of Service strongly considered for inclusion in the 2026 Budget
Enhanced allowances, specialist training, and deployment reforms on the way
Nurses and midwives described as the “backbone” of Free Primary Healthcare and Mahama Cares programmes
“This is a clear demonstration of government commitment to continuity, fairness, and the welfare of nurses and midwives,” Akandoh told the cheering delegates.
The massive recruitment comes at a critical time as the government rolls out expanded primary and emergency care under its flagship health initiatives, with nurses expected to lead community outreach, maternal care, and disease prevention efforts nationwide.
GRNMA President Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo praised the move but urged even faster deployment to underserved districts and the immediate implementation of the new conditions of service.
With this recruitment now complete, Ghana’s nurse-to-population ratio takes a significant leap forward — a major win for a health sector long crippled by shortages and migration.
