Ghana and Jamaica have signed a bilateral agreement to facilitate the recruitment and deployment of Ghanaian health professionals to Jamaica, with the first batch expected to depart in June 2026.
The agreement was signed during the closing session of the third Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation (PJCC) between Ghana and Jamaica held in Accra on Tuesday.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister for Health, Mr.KwabenaMintah Akandoh, described the agreement as a major step in strengthening cooperation between the two countries in the health sector.
He said the agreement followed months of technical consultations, legal reviews and diplomatic engagements between both governments.
According to him, the arrangement would establish a formal framework for the deployment of Ghanaian health professionals to Jamaica while creating employment opportunities and supporting healthcare delivery in the Caribbean nation.
“The agreement seeks to establish a formal framework for the deployment of Ghanaian health professionals to Jamaica, strengthen healthcare delivery and workforce capacity in Jamaica, create international employment opportunities for Ghanaian health professionals, facilitate skills exchange, professional development and knowledge transfer”, he stated.
He noted that Ghana remained committed to ethical recruitment practices in line with international standards and principles of fairness, transparency and mutual benefit.
The Health Minister also commended the Jamaican authorities for their commitment to ensuring safe working conditions and professional protection for Ghanaian workers who would be deployed under the arrangement.
“The Government of Ghana appreciates Jamaica’s commitment towards fair labour conditions, professional protection and welfare, respect for professional standards, and a safe and supportive working environment for Ghanaian health professionals”, he noted.
Mr. Akandoh expressed optimism that the partnership would become a model for international cooperation on health workforce mobility between Africa and the Caribbean.
Following the signing ceremony, he said implementation processes would begin immediately, including credential verification, licensing procedures, orientation programmes and welfare arrangements for health workers selected for deployment.
“I am pleased to indicate that subject to completion of the final administrative processes, the first batch of Ghanaian health professionals is expected to depart for Jamaica in June 2026,” he disclosed.
The minister describing the timeline as ambitious, said both countries were determined to ensure that the agreement translated into practical outcomes.
On his part, the Jamaican Health minister Dr.Christopher Tuftonannounced plans for expanded cooperation between both countries beyond health worker recruitment.
He said Jamaica and Ghana would deepen collaboration in pharmaceutical development, primary healthcare reform, national health insurance and the management of non communicable diseases.
“Today is a good day for public health and for international cooperation in health, this signing is an important step that will shape the future of healthcare for both countries”, he noted.
Dr. Tufton commended Ghana for advances made in universal health coverage and infectious disease control, adding that Jamaica hoped to learn from Ghana’s experience while sharing its own expertise.
Joyce Adwoa Animia Ocran,ISD
