Why Ghana? Minister Cites Caribbean Experience, English Training
Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph says the decision to recruit nurses from Ghana was based on their proven experience working in Caribbean health systems and their training in English-speaking environments, as the government responded to public questions about why Ghana was selected.
“The Ghanaians were already in the Caribbean. They were in The Bahamas, they were in Barbados,” Joseph said during a media briefing. “We did some research, and the reports we got were very positive.”
Joseph said those regional experiences gave Antigua and Barbuda confidence that Ghanaian nurses could integrate smoothly into the local health system and meet professional standards.
Addressing concerns about language and communication, the minister said Ghana’s historical background and education system were key considerations.
“Ghana was a colony like Antigua and Barbuda — only British,” Joseph said. “I assure you that they are quite capable of speaking the King’s language.”
Joseph also pointed to the broader quality of medical training in Ghana and other African countries, rejecting any suggestion that standards were inferior.
“Africa has produced some of the most outstanding doctors and nurses now applying their trade in the world,” he said. “Many of them are serving in metropolitan cities like New York and London.”
He said African-trained medical professionals are working in highly specialized fields and contributing to research at major international institutions.
“They are doing a lot of research in some of the most prestigious institutions in the world,” Joseph said, adding that many hold patents and advanced qualifications.
The minister said the selection of Ghana was guided by practical considerations, including training quality, language compatibility and regional performance, rather than politics.
Joseph said the government remains focused on ensuring patient care is not compromised as Antigua and Barbuda works to stabilize staffing levels while expanding local nurse training through the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus.
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What king language.. you people are still delusional….
We are the KINGS AND QUEENS… They took our
Language away from us..
But but but I thought UPP’S Clown said they don’t speak English
The Minister claims that Ghana was selected after “research,” yet he has failed to present any credible or robust evidence arising from that research. Empty assertions are not evidence. If the Ghanaian nurses are indeed as highly skilled as he claims, then the Minister must explain why so many of them are desperate to leave their homeland in the first place. He must also confront an uncomfortable truth: Ghana’s own public health system is widely recognised as under-resourced and below acceptable standards. These contradictions cannot simply be ignored.
Equally troubling is the state of Antigua and Barbuda’s health services under this Minister’s stewardship. The nation deserves a full and honest explanation as to why healthcare delivery has deteriorated so badly during his administration. The service is increasingly unfit for purpose, and responsibility lies squarely at the feet of the Minister. If he cannot reverse this decline, then the only honourable course of action is for him to resign as Minister of Health.
By contrast, the Cuban and Venezuelan clinicians have delivered outstanding service. Their professionalism, competence, and dedication are evident and widely acknowledged by the public. Cuba, in particular, has an internationally respected track record for producing world-class healthcare professionals and delivering effective health outcomes, even under severe constraints.
The Prime Minister and the Minister of Health must therefore show leadership and courage. They must stand up to Donald Trump and reject external pressure that undermines our national interests. Antigua and Barbuda is an independent, sovereign nation—not a terrorist state, not a vassal, and not a beggar. The United States must not be allowed to behave as though it can dictate our healthcare policy or coerce us into submission.
There are many countries in the world with which Antigua and Barbuda can engage in mutually respectful partnerships—countries that recognise and respect our sovereignty. The government has grossly underestimated the will of the people on this issue.
Prime Minister. Minister of Health. Be bold. Defend the nation. Retain the Cuban and Venezuelan clinicians. Stand up for Antigua and Barbuda.
Wadadli4ever
Ghanaians leave the country simply because of better exchange rate( the currency) aside that we live in heaven.
You typed a lot of empty words.
Ghana has never lacked human resources in healthcare. It is overflowing, the nation has invested into that, and that is why she is reaping that benefit.
The nurses are not your object of frustration. Look within
To Wadadli4ever
“why so many of them are desperate to leave their homeland in the first place”.
My dear, you need to update your knowledge. The above statement depict your lack of insight about Ghanaians. We do not travel to other countries because we’re desperate,no. Ghanaians love to explore to add to their existing knowledge and skills. We find pride in learning new things and changing statusquo. We believe changing environment enhances one’s overall health
Again some travel to better their living conditions the same way caribbeans travel to Europe, America and other countries
“must also confront an uncomfortable truth: Ghana’s own public health system is widely recognised as under-resourced and below acceptable standards”.
The size of Ghana is over 500 times larger than Antigua and our population is many hundred of times bigger than your country so yes some places will be under- resourced as far as health system is concern. But the fact is those areas are what we call villages and small towns, where they need primary care and referral to a well resourced facilities for secondary and tertiary management.
Please mind you, non of your health system’s can be compared to what we have in Ghana, do your research well
1. Korle-bu Teaching hospital which is 102yrs old
2. Koforidua Regional Hospital which is 99yrs old
3. Ridge hospital which is 97yrs old
4. 37Military Hospital which 84yes old
5. Tema General Hospital which is 71yrs old
These hospitals are over70yrs old but well resourced
We have. 6 teaching hospitals, 91 district hospitals, 49 polyclinics, 550 health centers and each community have what we call CHIPS centre
The above figures are all government facilities
Private hospitals are not inclusive
The under resourced facilities you mentioned are some polyclincs, health centers and CHIPS compound that deliver primaryry health care
So you see, non of your caribbean countries can be compared to ghana health system
Ghanaian nurses are smart, intelligent, knowledgeable, compassionate, skillful, humble, respectful and adaptable, qualities you barely find in you.
These are some few reasons your leaders choose/ prefer Ghanaian nurses.
we dont speak any how and use unkind and unpleasant words no matter the situation,
You can do your politics without undermining someone’s integrity.
Be a good boy when you meet us okay!!!
I am well sure that the nurses are competent and are very sincere people..but it’s not that I’m worried about, it’s who they are attached to and who back home will seek to exploit this opening.
Calateral damage is what I’m worried about, and trust me, it will arise.
I’ve been in logistics all my life, I know how movements works to the T.
I just hope this government keep an I eye on this, but I doubt it.
Fake News, go and tell that to the teachers. English itself emerged from the blending of multiple languages, including those of the Angles and Saxons. Penalizing students for using mixed dialects reflects a misunderstanding of how languages naturally evolve.
And 9 Regional Hospitals that provide specialized care and serve as referral cenntres
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