Why Ghana? Minister Says The English Language Was A Major Factor

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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