Nearly two-thirds of nurses and midwives who took part in a new survey in Ghana said they had considered leaving the profession, raising concerns about the future of the country’s healthcare workforce.
The study by the Union of Professional Nurses and Midwives, Ghana (UPNMG), received responses from 1,406 nurses and midwives. It found that 63.7% had thought about leaving their profession.
Among those who had considered leaving, 65.4% said travelling or working abroad was an option they had considered.
The findings highlight the pressures affecting healthcare professionals and the need to make their welfare and retention a greater priority in national healthcare discussions.
The study, Financial Strain Among Nurses and Midwives in Northern and Southern Ghana: A Cross-sectional Survey, was published in the Asian Journal of Economics, Business and Accounting in 2026.
It found that 74.3% of respondents believed financial strain had a negative or very negative effect on their job satisfaction. A further 63.4% said financial difficulties had affected their work.
For UPNMG, the results underline the need to address the conditions shaping the wellbeing, motivation and long-term retention of nurses and midwives.
Financial pressure and retention
The decision to leave a profession is often influenced by several factors. In the survey, respondents raised concerns including inadequate salaries, repeated financial difficulties and dependence on loans.
The number of respondents who had considered opportunities abroad also highlighted the importance of understanding why healthcare professionals choose to remain in Ghana or seek work elsewhere.
UPNMG said retaining staff would require consistent engagement with nurses and midwives, stronger welfare arrangements and policies that recognise the contribution of the professionals responsible for sustaining healthcare delivery.
The union believes workforce retention should remain a central part of discussions about the future of healthcare in Ghana.
Support for financial education
The survey also identified strong interest in practical support for members. Of those who answered the relevant question, 94% said they would be willing to take part in financial education workshops.
UPNMG considers that response an opportunity to introduce initiatives such as financial education and financial planning programmes.
The union said it remained committed to advocating for the welfare, dignity and professional advancement of nurses and midwives.
It added that a stronger healthcare system depends not only on infrastructure and equipment, but also on a workforce that is supported, valued and sustainable.
