Ghana’s Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has announced that the first group of Ghanaian health
professionals will travel to Jamaica in June 2026 under a newly signed bilateral cooperation agreement between
the two countries.
The agreement was formalised during the third session of the Ghana–Jamaica Permanent Joint Commission for
Cooperation held in Accra. It is designed to support the structured recruitment and deployment of Ghanaian
healthcare workers to Jamaica while strengthening ties between both nations.
Mr Akandoh described the arrangement as an important milestone in Ghana–Jamaica relations, rooted in shared
historical ties and South–South cooperation. He said the framework will create employment opportunities for
Ghanaian professionals, promote skills exchange, and enhance collaboration in healthcare delivery.
He also emphasised that Ghana will adhere to ethical recruitment standards, ensuring fairness, transparency, and
mutual benefit in the deployment process. According to him, technical teams from both countries will immediately
begin work on implementation, including licensing, credential verification, orientation, and welfare arrangements
for deployed staff.
Jamaica’s Health and Wellness Minister, Christopher Tufton, welcomed the agreement, saying it will help address
staffing shortages in Jamaica’s health sector, particularly in areas such as nursing, midwifery, and intensive care.
He added that Jamaica has established an International Recruitment Unit to manage overseas hiring and ensure
proper coordination of health workforce partnerships.
Mr Tufton noted that the agreement aligns with Jamaica’s development plans and broader efforts to stabilise its
healthcare workforce while improving service delivery.
Both ministers expressed confidence that the partnership will strengthen healthcare systems in both countries and
expand opportunities for professional growth, while also deepening cooperation in areas such as pharmaceutical
development, primary healthcare, and the management of non-communicable diseases.
