President John Dramani Mahama has announced that government will recruit 16,000 nurses in two batches to strengthen healthcare delivery and address staffing shortages, especially in underserved communities.
He said the first batch of 8,000 nurses would be recruited soon, with another 8,000 to follow, to ensure newly trained nurses are employed without long delays.
President Mahama announced this on Thursday during the launch of the Free Primary Healthcare Programme at the Ho Municipal Hospital in the Volta Region.
"We are therefore providing clearance for the recruitment of 16,000 nurses in two batches. The first batch will be 8,000 nurses, followed by another 8,000, so that young people completing their training will not have to wait for long periods before being posted," he said.
The President noted that many of the newly recruited nurses would be deployed to underserved areas where healthcare services are most needed.
He urged nurses and other health professionals to emulate the dedication and compassion of Florence Nightingale by serving wherever they are posted and providing quality care to patients.
President Mahama also assured health workers that government remained committed to improving their conditions of service as the country's economic situation improves.
"I have assured the Minister that as the economy continues to improve, we will continue to work towards improving your conditions of service so that you are encouraged and motivated to continue the important work you do," he said.
The President commended the management and staff of the Ho Municipal Hospital for their century-long service, describing healthcare professionals as one of the country's most important workforce because of the vital role they play in safeguarding the health of Ghanaians.