Ghana has entered into a new bilateral partnership with The Bahamas to facilitate the recruitment of Ghanaian teachers and nurses to work in the Caribbean nation. The agreement, sealed through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to enhance cooperation in education, healthcare, and skills development between the two countries.
The deal was signed by Minister for Special Initiatives Emmanuel Agyekum, who was accompanied by Nelson Ndebah Ndebugre from the Office of the President. The signing followed high-level meetings with Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Edward “Brave” Davis, during which both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening diplomatic and labour relations.
Under the initial phase of the agreement, experienced Ghanaian teachers and nurses will be recruited to work in The Bahamas. The arrangement is designed to provide Ghanaian professionals with international exposure while helping The Bahamas meet its growing demand for skilled educators and healthcare practitioners.
Minister Agyekum described the initiative as a “win-win partnership,” saying it demonstrates global recognition of Ghana’s professional competence and training standards.
“This agreement builds a bridge of opportunity between our nations and strengthens our shared goals,” he said, adding that Ghana’s education and health professionals have consistently earned respect in international job markets.
According to the Minister, the welfare, safety, and professional rights of all Ghanaian recruits will be guaranteed under the agreement. He assured that the recruitment process will be transparent, merit-based, and free from exploitation, in line with Ghana’s Labour Act and international employment conventions.
The Ministry also plans to collaborate with relevant agencies to monitor and support Ghanaian professionals working abroad under the programme.
“Our focus is not just on exporting skills but on ensuring that our citizens abroad are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect,” Mr. Agyekum stated.
A Growing Trend of Skilled Migration Partnerships (Bahamas & Ghana)
Ghana’s agreement with The Bahamas is part of a broader strategy by the government to create structured pathways for skilled labour mobility. It follows similar bilateral frameworks with countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Barbados, which have opened opportunities for Ghanaian nurses and other professionals in recent years.
The partnership is expected to deepen ties between Africa and the Caribbean, reinforcing ongoing efforts to strengthen historical and cultural connections between the two regions.
Experts say the agreement reflects a new phase of South-South cooperation, in which developing nations collaborate on labour, education, and healthcare development rather than relying solely on partnerships with traditional Western economies.
Ghana has one of the most reputable teacher and nursing training systems in West Africa, producing thousands of professionals annually. However, limited job placements and resource constraints within the local economy have often led to underemployment.
The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) estimates that more than 10,000 Ghanaian nurses have been recruited abroad since 2020, primarily to the UK, USA, and Canada. While this exodus has sparked concerns about local workforce gaps, officials argue that managed partnerships like the Ghana–Bahamas MoU allow for mutually beneficial exchange rather than unregulated migration.
In The Bahamas, government data shows persistent shortages in the teaching and healthcare sectors due to population growth and global competition for skilled workers. Ghana’s well-trained professionals are expected to help fill those gaps while earning valuable international experience.
The newly signed MoU also lays the foundation for expanded cooperation in commerce, tourism, cultural exchange, and human capital development. Both governments view the agreement as a stepping stone to deeper bilateral engagement, including potential investments in vocational training and youth empowerment.
Minister Agyekum expressed optimism that the partnership could serve as a model for other African and Caribbean nations seeking equitable collaboration in workforce development.
“Ghana’s strength lies in its people. By creating responsible channels for skilled migration, we ensure that our human resources contribute both at home and abroad,” he said.
The Ghana–Bahamas partnership reflects a growing recognition of Africa’s human capital as an exportable strength rather than a source of brain drain. For Ghana, it represents an opportunity to reposition itself as a trusted source of global talent, especially in critical fields such as education and healthcare.
Analysts note that such bilateral arrangements could help regulate labour migration, prevent exploitation, and promote remittances, which remain a vital part of Ghana’s economy. According to the Bank of Ghana, remittances from abroad amounted to US$4.7 billion in 2024, highlighting the significant contribution of the Ghanaian diaspora.
For the wider Caribbean, the agreement also offers a model for practical collaboration with African nations—transforming shared history into modern economic opportunity.
As Ghana and The Bahamas move forward with implementation, both countries have expressed hope that the initiative will lead to long-term institutional cooperation. Beyond job placements, the collaboration is expected to promote knowledge transfer, capacity building, and cross-cultural understanding between the two regions.
While details of the recruitment process are still being finalised, stakeholders say the agreement underscores Ghana’s continued efforts to expand its global footprint through strategic partnerships based on equality, professionalism, and mutual respect.
