The Government of Ghana has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the City of Columbus, Ohio, to create a pathway for qualified Ghanaian nurses and other health professionals to access employment opportunities in the United States.

The agreement was signed by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment following technical discussions with their US counterparts.

The MoU provides a framework for developing detailed arrangements for the ethical recruitment and deployment of Ghanaian health professionals, particularly nurses, to Columbus.

Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh said the arrangement would not be limited to recruitment but would also seek to protect the rights, welfare and professional interests of Ghanaian health workers.

He said the initiative forms part of government’s efforts to secure credible and decent international employment opportunities for Ghanaian health professionals in accordance with Ghana’s Migration Policy and international standards.

The partnership builds on the existing Sister-City relationship between Accra and Columbus as well as the Ghana Labour Exchange Programme.

The Minister said the Ministry of Health would continue to pursue international partnerships that create employment opportunities for Ghanaian health professionals while ensuring that their welfare and professional rights are protected.