The Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Rashid Pelpuo, has warned that Africa could face a shortfall of up to 6.1 million health workers by 2030 if urgent and sustained action is not taken.

Speaking at the Second Africa Health Workforce Investment Forum in Accra on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, Mr. Pelpuo underscored the need for deliberate investment in the continent’s health workforce, cautioning that the widening gap in skilled professionals is threatening effective healthcare delivery.

He noted that current shortages are already restricting access to essential services, widening inequalities, and slowing progress toward key global and regional development targets, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 and the African Union Agenda 2063.

The forum brought together policymakers, health experts, development partners and international institutions such as the World Health Organization to discuss practical strategies for strengthening Africa’s health workforce.

Focusing on Ghana, the Minister described the country’s health system as being under significant pressure, largely due to the migration of skilled professionals and the persistent challenge of retaining staff in rural and underserved communities.

While acknowledging investments in infrastructure and workforce expansion, he pointed out that the continued loss of experienced personnel has created critical gaps in specialist care and increased the burden on remaining health workers.

Mr. Pelpuo emphasized that investing in the health workforce is not only a social obligation but also an economic priority, as it improves the quality of care, strengthens emergency response, and enhances the resilience of health systems.

He also highlighted climate change as an emerging challenge, noting its impact in driving higher disease burdens, increasing occupational risks, and placing additional demands on health services.

The Minister called for stronger collaboration, stressing that African countries must work closely with international partners to effectively address these challenges.

He further reaffirmed the commitment of the government under President John Dramani Mahama to deepen partnerships and increase investment in the sector.

Mr. Pelpuo urged participants to share evidence-based insights and develop actionable policy recommendations to improve coordination and support long-term workforce planning across Africa.

The forum is expected to produce practical strategies aimed at addressing workforce shortages and strengthening health systems across the continent.