By Grace Zigah
Ghana has deployed 61 health workers to Grenada under the government’s Labour Export Programme, in a move aimed at addressing staffing shortages in the Caribbean country’s healthcare sector while creating employment opportunities for Ghanaian professionals.
The health workers are expected to serve in various medical facilities in Grenada under two-year renewable contracts, providing services to support the country’s healthcare delivery system.
The deployment forms part of the government’s broader efforts to connect qualified Ghanaian workers with employment opportunities abroad, particularly in sectors where other countries require additional skilled personnel.
Addressing the workers before their departure, Chief of Staff Dr Julius Debrah urged them to demonstrate professionalism, discipline and ethical conduct throughout their stay in Grenada, stressing that their behaviour would influence how Ghanaians are perceived in the host country.
He reminded them that their professional qualifications had helped secure the opportunity, but their character and conduct would determine whether they could sustain the relationship between Ghana and Grenada.
“Your certificate or your qualification may open the door for you, but your character will determine how long the door will be kept open,” Dr Debrah said.
He encouraged the health professionals to perform their duties diligently and respect the standards expected of them, noting that their contribution could strengthen Ghana’s reputation as a source of qualified and dependable healthcare workers.
The Chief of Staff’s message placed emphasis on the responsibility accompanying international employment, particularly for workers representing Ghana in foreign institutions and communities.
The Minister of Labour, Jobs and Employment, Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum, also charged the health workers to honour the terms of their contracts and maintain high professional standards during their assignment.
He urged them to protect Ghana’s image by demonstrating competence, dedication and respect for the rules governing their employment.
“Go and work well, don’t mess up. Try and raise the flag of Ghana. Be professional. Professionalism is key. This is what we expect from you,” Agyekum said.
The minister further encouraged the workers to return to Ghana at the end of their contractual period, underscoring the government’s expectation that they would comply with the terms of their engagement.
Agyekum disclosed that the government was making progress with plans to deploy additional nurses to Germany and other Caribbean countries as part of efforts to expand overseas employment opportunities for Ghanaian health professionals.
The planned deployments suggest that the Labour Export Programme is intended to extend beyond the current group sent to Grenada, potentially opening up additional international job markets for qualified workers. The programme is designed to create employment opportunities for Ghanaians while helping participating countries fill labour shortages in critical sectors, including healthcare.
