Mintah Akandoh proposes strategic collaboration to tackle rising brain drain

The Ministry of Health is seeking support from the Kingdom of Morocco to develop infrastructure that can accommodate more Ghanaian health workers.

Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh says the initiative is aimed at addressing the growing exodus of health professionals in search of better opportunities abroad.

According to him, partnering with Morocco could provide sustainable solutions to this pressing challenge.

The proposal was tabled during a courtesy call by Moroccan Health Minister, Amine Tahraoui, who is currently in the country to explore avenues for bilateral cooperation in the health sector.

Mr Akandoh expressed optimism that the partnership would not only help mitigate brain drain but also enhance the capacity and skill sets of healthcare professionals in both countries.

“You help us, we also help you. We train the people, we bring them up, we set the infrastructure in the country. You tell us the number you need every year, you tell us the conditions, we’ll get involved, then we’ll bring them to you.

“As and when they want to come back, they can come back at any time. Then we share ideas, we share experiences, we share knowledge, and then it is not coincidental that we are sitting around this table today and we are trying to explore what we can benefit from each other.

“And so we must see each other as partners, yes, so what I can do for you and what you can also do for me as a country. And that is proper partnership. And so we are ready for that.”

The Moroccan Health Minister welcomed the move, noting that the collaboration would deepen diplomatic ties and foster mutual growth in healthcare delivery.

“It’s, you know, Morocco and Ghana have some similar situations, starting from populations, we are 37 million populations, so not so far from your population…

“This was imposed by our king, Mohammed VI, who decided that every Moroccan should have access to insurance health system and of course, we are keen to develop cooperation with the sister countries to share experiences, but also to have, and to increase the way that we rule the health system.

“This partnership will strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between our two nations,” he remarked.

Vaccine Procurement

In other news, he has disclosed that the country is facing a significant shortfall in vaccine funding as international support begins to wane.

This development follows funding cuts to USAID by former U.S. President Donald Trump—cuts that have significantly affected the supply of essential drugs and financial support to Ghana’s healthcare system.

According to Mr Mintah Akandoh, the government will require approximately $25 million to procure all necessary vaccines for the country this year.

He made this revelation while speaking at a meeting with the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana on Monday, April 14.

“It is instructive to note that at this point in time, our partners who assist us in procuring most of our vaccines are gradually fading. This year alone, we need not less than $25 million to import vaccines into this country,” the minister stated.

Mr. Akandoh said the government is left with no alternative due to the dwindling aid.