Ghana, Grenada seal deal to recruit Ghanaian nurses

By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi

A new agreement between Ghana and Grenada is set to open up employment opportunities for Ghanaian healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, in the Caribbean island nation, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on health cooperation.

The agreement was formalised on Friday, 17 October 2025, when President John Dramani Mahama hosted the Prime Minister of Grenada, Dickon Amiss Thomas Mitchell, at the Jubilee House in Accra for bilateral talks and a state luncheon.

Prime Minister Mitchell arrived in Ghana on Thursday, 16 October, leading a high-level delegation for a two-day official visit.

The MoU, titled “Recruitment of Ghanaian Nurses for the State of Grenada”, was signed by Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and Grenada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Export Development, Joseph Andall, in the presence of both leaders.

The agreement underscores a shared commitment to people-centred development and was one of the major highlights of discussions aimed at strengthening the longstanding relations between the two nations.

Mahama: Ghana Committed to Swift Implementation

President Mahama reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to ensuring the new accord yields tangible outcomes that will benefit both countries.

“Ghana is committed to the implementation of this accord,” he stated, noting that Grenada’s interest in recruiting Ghanaian nurses and allied health professionals presents “a valuable opportunity for structured collaboration.”

He commended Ghanaian health workers for their professionalism and compassion, saying their expertise has earned the country international recognition.

“We are eager to explore arrangements that address both our national needs and Grenada’s health priorities,” President Mahama stressed.

President Calls for Support on UN Slavery Motion

President Mahama also used the occasion to rally Grenada and other Caribbean and African nations to support Ghana’s forthcoming motion at the United Nations next year, seeking global recognition of slavery as one of the greatest crimes against humanity.

“At the UN General Assembly this year, I stated that Ghana intends to file a motion at the United Nations next year to declare slavery as one of the greatest crimes against humanity,” he said.

Addressing Prime Minister Mitchell directly, he noted:
“Mr Prime Minister, I know I can count on your support and the support of our colleagues in the Caribbean and the African Union for this motion.”

He praised Grenada for its long-standing advocacy on international platforms, describing the island nation as “a brave voice in the cause of justice,” and expressed confidence that Grenada’s backing would be pivotal in mobilising a strong coalition for the UN resolution.

Calls for Direct Air Links between Ghana and the Caribbean

President Mahama identified the absence of direct air connectivity between Africa and the Caribbean as a major obstacle to greater economic and cultural integration.

“One significant barrier continues to hinder our cooperation, and that is the lack of direct air connectivity between the Caribbean and Africa,” he indicated.

President described this not merely as a logistical challenge but as “a strategic necessity,” adding that creating direct air links between Ghana and the Caribbean would unleash significant opportunities for trade, tourism, culture and education between their peoples.

Grenada Reaffirms Ties with Africa

In his address at the state luncheon, Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell highlighted the historical and cultural bonds between Grenada, the Caribbean and Africa, noting that Africa has been declared the “sixth region” of the African Union (AU), symbolising the deep ties between the continent and the Caribbean diaspora.

“As we remember the tragedy of our past, we use it as inspiration to build a new and deliberate bridge that promises prosperity, unity and economic empowerment for future generations of Africans both in Africa and in the Caribbean,” he remarked.

Prime Minister Mitchell emphasised that the new agreements, particularly the health cooperation MoU, reflect a conscious effort to strengthen bilateral relations for the benefit of both peoples.

He also reiterated Grenada’s longstanding advocacy for reparations for the transatlantic slave trade, describing it as “perhaps the most inhumane crime that has been committed against humanity.”

Grenada Eyes Direct Flights to Africa

Looking to the future, Prime Minister Mitchell disclosed that Grenada is already in talks with Ethiopian Airlines to establish direct flight connections between the African continent and the Caribbean, a move expected to boost tourism, investment and cultural exchange.

“Our music, our food, our culture and the vibrancy of our people speak for themselves,” he said.
“If you are in Grenada, you will feel just at home as if you are in Africa,” he added, highlighting the shared identity and enormous potential for people-to-people linkages.