Ghana-Columbus nursing deal creates new pathway for Ghanaian nurses in Ohio

Ghana has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the City of Columbus, Ohio, to create a new pathway for Ghanaian nurses to work legally in the US healthcare market.

The agreement establishes the Ghana-Columbus Nursing Partnership Programme, which will focus on nursing education, workforce development and opportunities for Ghanaian nurses in Columbus.

The MoU was signed on Monday, September 14, 2026, at the Michael B. Coleman Government Center in Columbus.

Signatories included Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther, Ghana’s Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, and Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum.

The partnership comes as Columbus continues to experience population and economic growth, creating demand for healthcare professionals.

Mayor Ginther said the programme would strengthen ties between Ghana and Columbus while creating opportunities for both sides.

“Ghana has made significant investment in training nursing professionals who can migrate legally to enter a ready market in Columbus,” Mayor Ginther noted during the ceremony.

The agreement is not limited to helping Ghanaian nurses find jobs in the United States.

The partners also intend to promote skills transfer between healthcare professionals and strengthen healthcare institutions in both countries.

The programme will further support joint research, health innovation and efforts to improve patient outcomes globally.

Mr. Akandoh said the agreement should therefore be viewed as more than a labour migration arrangement.

He said it provides a strategic platform for Ghana and Columbus to share expertise and strengthen their healthcare systems.

The initiative builds on a Sister-City agreement between Columbus and Greater Accra that was established in 2015.

Minister Agyekum also described the nursing partnership as a framework that could be replicated in other US states.

The Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Ghana in Washington, DC, Ambassador Mrs Jane Gasu Aheto, credited the Ghanaian community in Columbus for helping to drive the initiative.

She called for the agreement to translate into tangible opportunities for people on both sides.

The partnership was facilitated through the joint efforts of Buckeye Africa Exchange, StrideHx and Columbus Sister Cities International.

The Ghana-Columbus Nursing Partnership Programme is expected to strengthen healthcare cooperation while providing a structured and legal route for Ghanaian nursing professionals seeking opportunities in Ohio.

About The Author

Barbara

See author's posts