As the burden of non-communicable diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, kidney failure and diabetes continues to rise, government says investing in specialist nurses has become critical to improving patient outcomes and ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare.
Addressing the first cohort of 145 nurses enrolled in 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, Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh said strengthening Ghana’s health workforce is indispensable to achieving universal health coverage.
According to him, while the country has produced many competent general nurses over the years, the increasing complexity of diseases demands more specialised skills to provide quality care.
“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.”
The Minister said government is targeting the enrolment of at least one thousand nurses annually into specialist programmes over the next three years, describing it as a strategic investment in the country’s healthcare system.
He noted that specialist nurses will play a vital role in reducing complications, improving recovery rates and expanding access to advanced healthcare services across the country.
To encourage more nurses to pursue specialist training, Mr. Akandoh announced that priority for study leave will be given to healthcare workers serving in rural communities and those admitted into the specialist programmes.
“Health facilities, together with the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, will support many trainees through sponsorship packages,” he disclosed.
Beyond clinical competence, the Minister reminded the students that compassion and professionalism remain the defining qualities of 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.”
Chief Executive Officer of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Dr. Paa Kwasi Baidoo, reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to the programme, announcing that all fifteen KATH nurses admitted into the first cohort have been granted full scholarships with study leave on full pay.
He said the hospital would also provide the clinical environment and specialist mentorship needed to produce highly skilled graduates.
“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,” Dr Baidoo stressed.
Principal of the Kumasi Nursing and Midwifery Training College, David Benjamin Sampson, described the programme as a significant milestone in strengthening Ghana’s health workforce.
He said the initiative will help close long-standing gaps in specialist nursing education while improving the country’s capacity to manage complex health conditions.
However, he appealed to government for additional investment in infrastructure, transport and learning facilities, as well as timely approval of study leave for all admitted nurses.
Government says expanding specialist nursing education forms part of a broader strategy to build a resilient healthcare system capable of meeting the country’s growing health needs, while ensuring that every Ghanaian has access to quality specialist care regardless of where they live.
By Ibrahim Abubakar
