We want to recruit 1,000 nurses into specialist programmes annually - Health Minister

The government has announced plans to enroll at least 1,000 nurses annually into specialist nursing programmes over the next three years as part of efforts to strengthen Ghana's healthcare system and improve the management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Minister for Health Kwabena Mintah Akandoh disclosed the initiative while addressing the first cohort of 145 nurses admitted into post-basic specialist programmes in Cardiology, Critical Care, Endocrinology, Oncology, and Nephrology at the Nursing and Midwifery Training College and ENT Nursing School in Kumasi.

The Minister said the growing burden of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular conditions, diabetes and kidney failure makes it imperative for Ghana to invest in a highly skilled specialist nursing workforce capable of delivering advanced patient care.

Mr. Akandoh emphasized that strengthening the country's human resources for health remains central to achieving universal health coverage.

According to him, although Ghana has trained thousands of competent general nurses over the years, the increasing complexity of healthcare requires professionals with specialized expertise.

"The government recognises that achieving universal health coverage requires deliberate investment in human resources for health. Our vision is to ensure that every Ghanaian, regardless of where they live, has access to quality healthcare services delivered by competent professionals," he said.

He described the expansion of specialist nursing education as a strategic investment that will improve healthcare delivery, reduce complications, enhance patient recovery rates and increase access to quality specialist services nationwide.

To encourage more nurses to pursue specialist education, the Health Minister announced that healthcare workers serving in rural communities and those admitted into specialist programmes will receive priority consideration for study leave.

He further disclosed that financial support will be made available through health institutions and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund to reduce the financial burden on trainees.

"Health facilities, together with the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, will support many trainees through sponsorship packages," he revealed.

Mr. Akandoh reminded the newly admitted nurses that technical competence alone is insufficient, stressing that compassion remains one of the most important qualities in healthcare.

"Healthcare is not only about hospitals and equipment. It is fundamentally about trained, skilled and compassionate people standing by patients when it matters most. Machines cannot show love or compassion. That is what makes you indispensable," he said.

Chief Executive Officer of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Dr. Paa Kwasi Baidoo, reaffirmed the hospital's commitment to developing specialist healthcare professionals.

He announced that all 15 KATH nurses admitted into the inaugural cohort have been awarded full scholarships together with study leave on full pay.

Dr. Baidoo said the hospital would also provide trainees with specialist mentorship and hands-on clinical experience to complement classroom instruction.

"Your training will not only be classroom-based. Our specialists will work with you in the clinical setting to ensure you graduate with the practical skills the country needs," he stated.

Principal of the Kumasi Nursing and Midwifery Training College, David Benjamin Sampson, described the introduction of the specialist nursing programmes as a landmark step toward strengthening Ghana's healthcare workforce.

He noted that the initiative would help bridge longstanding gaps in specialist nursing education while enhancing the country's capacity to manage complex diseases.

However, he appealed to the government to invest further in educational infrastructure, transport facilities, learning resources and the timely approval of study leave for nurses pursuing specialist training.

The government says expanding specialist nursing education forms part of its broader strategy to build a resilient and responsive healthcare system capable of meeting Ghana's evolving healthcare needs.

Officials believe the programme will help ensure equitable access to specialist healthcare services across the country while improving the quality of care for patients living with chronic and complex medical conditions.