The Minister of Labour, Jobs and Employment, Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, has called for urgent and sustained investment in Africa’s health workforce, warning that a growing shortage of professionals threatens healthcare delivery across the continent.
Speaking at the Second Africa Health Workforce Investment Forum in Accra on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, the Minister said Africa could face a deficit of up to 6.1 million health workers by 2030 if decisive action is not taken.
He noted that the shortage is already undermining access to essential health services, worsening inequalities and slowing progress toward global and continental development targets, including United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 on health and well-being, as well as the African Union Agenda 2063.
“Africa has no option but to act decisively to avert a severe healthcare crisis in the near future,” Mr. Pelpuo said, stressing that governments must prioritize the welfare and retention of health workers.
The forum brought together policymakers, health professionals, development partners and international organizations, including the World Health Organization, to explore strategies for strengthening the continent’s health workforce.
Highlighting Ghana’s situation, the Minister described the country’s health system as being under “immense pressure,” driven by high levels of brain drain, especially among skilled professionals, and persistent challenges in retaining workers in rural areas.
Despite investments in healthcare infrastructure and improvements in workforce numbers, he said the loss of experienced personnel has led to shortages of specialists and increased stress on remaining staff.
Rashid Pelpuo emphasized that investing in the health workforce is not only a social necessity but also an economic imperative, noting that a strong workforce enhances healthcare quality, improves emergency response capacity and strengthens system resilience.
He also pointed to emerging threats such as climate change, which he said is placing additional strain on healthcare systems through increased disease burdens, occupational risks and rising emergency response demands.
“As stakeholders, we must promote occupational safety, decent work and social dialogue to ensure that frontline health workers are protected and supported,” he said.
The Minister further stressed the importance of collaboration, noting that African governments cannot address these challenges alone and must work closely with international partners and stakeholders.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the government under President John Dramani Mahama to strengthen partnerships and increase investment in the sector.
Mr. Pelpuo urged participants at the forum to share evidence-based insights and develop practical policy recommendations that can improve coordination and guide long-term workforce planning across Africa.
“The outcomes of this forum must translate into stronger policies and better healthcare delivery for our people,” he added.
The Africa Health Workforce Investment Forum is expected to produce actionable strategies to address workforce shortages and improve health systems across the continent.
Ghana is open to partnerships without strings attached – Health Minister
