The Ashanti Region of Ghana is witnessing an alarming trend as over 300 health workers have left the Ghana Health Service to pursue better opportunities abroad.
This exodus, observed in the first quarter of 2023, is having a negative impact on healthcare delivery in the region, warn authorities.
Data from the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate reveals that 304 health workers, including doctors and nurses, have applied for leave without salaries.
Further investigations conducted by the directorate indicate that the majority of these workers have travelled overseas in search of improved living conditions.
Dr Emmanuel Tinkorang, the Ashanti Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service, acknowledges the detrimental effect of this exodus on healthcare delivery in the region.
He expresses concern, stating, “When we did the analysis for the first quarter of 2023, we realized that about 304 applied for leave without pay, which means that they have left the service, but additional information indicates that most of them have left the country. These are very skilful health workers with the right knowledge, attitude, and skill to do the job, but it seems that they have been attracted outside the country.”
The departure of these skilled health workers poses a significant challenge to the health system in Ghana. Despite the government's efforts to provide health infrastructure, the loss of such qualified professionals hinders the effective operation of the system.