Mahama Orders Reopening of Nurses Recruitment Portal to Employ 16,000 Health Workers

President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Minister of Health to reopen the nurses’ recruitment portal to facilitate the employment of 16,000 qualified nurses in a move aimed at reducing the growing backlog of health professionals awaiting posting.

The recruitment exercise will be conducted in two phases, with 8,000 nurses recruited in each batch.

Speaking during a durbar on the Free Primary Health Care Programme in Ho as part of his duty tour of the Volta Region on Thursday, July 16, 2026, President Mahama said the government was committed to improving the welfare of health workers as the economy recovers.

He explained that approval had been granted for the Ministry of Health to reopen the recruitment portal to absorb the 16,000 nurses, adding that the move would significantly reduce the waiting period for newly qualified nurses seeking placement.

President Mahama also assured health workers that the government would continue to enhance their conditions of service to motivate them to deliver quality healthcare.

Describing nurses as one of the country’s most vital professional groups, he commended them for their dedication and urged them to continue showing compassion and professionalism in caring for patients despite the challenges they face.

Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh announced that the ministry is also considering introducing incentives to encourage health professionals to accept postings to underserved rural communities. Among the proposals is a policy to promote health workers serving in rural areas faster than their counterparts in urban centres.

He further disclosed that the ministry has expanded post-basic nursing programmes in specialised fields such as oncology and critical care, while awarding 32 PhD scholarships to support the training of health professionals in specialised disciplines.