Mahama Orders Recruitment of 16,000 Nurses as Ablakwa Praised for “Hard Work”
Accra — President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Minister of Health to immediately reopen recruitment for 16,000 qualified but unemployed nurses and midwives, describing the move as critical to strengthening Ghana’s health delivery system.
The directive was issued on Sunday during a meeting with government appointees, where the President also singled out Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa for commendation. “Ablakwa is one of the hardest-working ministers in this administration,” Mahama said, citing the minister’s engagements on diaspora affairs, passport reforms, and Ghana’s foreign policy reset.
The nurse recruitment freeze has been a major source of frustration for health graduates over the past two years. Many completed their national service and licensing exams but remained at home due to financial clearance delays. Health unions and the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association have repeatedly called on government to absorb the backlog to ease pressure on understaffed hospitals and clinics.
Under the new order, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, is expected to begin the clearance and posting process within weeks. The 16,000 figure covers nurses, midwives, and allied health professionals who have already qualified and completed mandatory service. Government officials say the exercise will prioritize those who have been waiting longest, with postings to district hospitals, health centers, and CHPS compounds where staffing gaps are most severe.
Health experts welcomed the announcement but cautioned that absorption alone will not solve systemic challenges. “We need equipment, medicines, and proper accommodation, especially for those posted to rural areas,” said one senior nursing officer in Kumasi. “But this is a good first step.”
The President’s praise for Ablakwa also drew attention. The Foreign Minister has led several high-profile initiatives since January, including digitization of passport applications, consular support for Ghanaians abroad, and engagements ahead of the 2030 World Cup co-hosted by Morocco, Portugal and Spain. Mahama said such “visible and measurable work” should be the standard across all ministries.
The announcement comes as government pushes to meet campaign promises on jobs and public services. The finance minister is also working on a mid-year fiscal review, with pressure to balance new recruitment against IMF program targets.
For many nurses, the news brings relief after months of uncertainty. Social media was filled Sunday night with graduates sharing old posting letters and graduation photos with the caption “Finally.”
Government says full details on application portals, timelines, and regional quotas will be published by the Ministry of Health this week.
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