Ghana exports health workers to Antigua as labour exchange programme takes off

About 130 Ghanaian health workers departed the country on Monday, January 26, 2026, to begin a three-year employment placement in Antigua under the government’s Labour Exchange Programme. According to officials, the initiative forms part of a broader effort to reduce unemployment while enhancing Ghana’s footprint in the global healthcare workforce.

The send-off ceremony took place at Kotoka International Airport and was led by the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, on behalf of the government. Addressing the gathering, Minister of Health Kwabena Mintah Akandoh said the programme is a targeted response to the growing number of unemployed health professionals, currently estimated at over 80,000, while also positioning Ghana as a reliable source of skilled medical personnel.

He explained that the Ghana Labour Exchange Programme, spearheaded by the President, is designed to create employment opportunities for citizens, with health workers being the latest beneficiaries. He noted that Antigua is the first destination under this arrangement, adding that similar agreements are being pursued with countries such as Trinidad, Barbados, and Jamaica, with deployments expected to take place in phases.

“As you’re going, you must be reminded of the fact that you’re carrying the flag of Ghana. Therefore, we wish that you go and work with diligence and professionalism,” the Minister cautioned.

The Minister for Special Initiatives, Emmanuel Agyekum, also emphasized that the recruitment process was strict and transparent. He stated that applicants were required to have between three and five years of professional experience and were assessed through a two-stage interview process, including local evaluations and interviews conducted by representatives from Antigua.

He added that the selected health professionals have signed three-year contracts, after which they may seek extensions; otherwise, they are expected to return to Ghana upon completion of their assignments.

In a concluding statement, the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, noted that as the government is looking to absorb these health professionals internally, it is also exploring other avenues outside the country to tackle unemployment.