65.4% of those considering leaving identified travelling or working abroad as an option, highlighting potential workforce retention challenges

Published 8 Nov 2026, 16:14 GMT

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A new survey by The Union of Professional Nurses and Midwives, Ghana (UPNMG) has raised concerns about the future of Ghana's nursing and midwifery workforce, revealing that nearly two-thirds of participating nurses and midwives have considered leaving the profession.

The survey, involving 1,406 respondents, found that 63.7% had considered leaving their profession. Among those respondents, 65.4% identified travelling or working abroad as an option they had considered.

The findings offer an important warning about the pressures confronting healthcare professionals and the need to make their welfare and retention a priority in national healthcare discussions.

The study, Financial Strain Among Nurses and Midwives in Northern and Southern Ghana: A Cross-sectional Survey published in the Asian Journal of Economics, Business and Accounting in 2026, also found that 74.3% of respondents perceived financial strain as having a negative or very negative effect on their job satisfaction.

In addition, 63.4% said their work had been affected by financial difficulties.

For the Union of Professional Nurses and Midwives of Ghana (UPNMG), these findings reinforce the importance of addressing the conditions that influence the wellbeing, motivation and long-term retention of nurses and midwives.

A workforce welfare issue that demands attention

The decision to leave a profession is rarely a simple one. The survey findings suggest that financial pressure is an important concern among respondents, with many reporting inadequate salaries, frequent financial difficulties and reliance on loans.

The finding that some respondents who had considered leaving identified opportunities abroad also brings to light the importance of understanding the factors that influence the decisions of healthcare professionals to remain in Ghana or pursue opportunities elsewhere.

UPNMG believes that workforce retention must be addressed through sustained engagement with nurses and midwives, improved welfare arrangements and policies that recognise the value of the professionals who sustain healthcare delivery.

A practical opportunity to support members

The survey also points to an opportunity for constructive intervention. Of the respondents who answered the relevant question, 94% expressed willingness to participate in financial education workshops.

UPNMG sees this interest as an opportunity to develop practical member-support initiatives, including financial education and planning programmes.

UPNMG remains committed to advocating for the welfare, dignity and professional advancement of nurses and midwives. The union believes that a stronger healthcare system depends not only on infrastructure and equipment, but also on a supported, valued and sustainable workforce.

Laud NarteyLaud Nartey is a current affairs editor with the MG News team at Media General, serving TV3 Ghana, 3News, Onua TV and more platforms.

64% of nurses and midwives have considered leaving the profession – UPNMG Study

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95% of Ghanaian nurses & midwives say their salaries are insufficient – UPNMG Study