The Member of Parliament (MP) for the Essikado-Ketan constituency, Professor Grace Ayensu-Danquah, has called for a structured approach to integrating Ghanaian and “African diaspora medical specialists” into the country’s healthcare system.
She made this statement in Parliament while addressing the challenges of medical expertise shortages in Ghana, linking her advocacy to the broader significance of Black History Month.
“Mr. Speaker, Black History Month is a very important month for Africans and Africans in the diaspora. As a medical doctor and a surgeon, I want to bring this discussion back to healthcare.
“Across the world from Brazil to the Middle East, the Caribbean, the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., we have Black medical professionals who are highly specialized in their fields. Ghana can benefit from their expertise”
Professor Grace Ayensu-Danquah, Member of Parliament for Essikado-Ketan
Her remarks followed a speech by Hon. James Gyakye Quayson, MP for Assin North, who emphasized global unity and integration for Black communities during Black History Month.
Professor Ayensu-Danquah expanded on this theme by highlighting the immense potential that Black medical professionals across the world could bring to Ghana’s health sector.
Professor Ayensu-Danquah, a renowned reconstructive surgeon with years of experience in both Ghana and the United States, stressed the urgent need for more specialists in the country’s health sector.
She noted that Ghana has a significant shortage of specialized medical professionals, forcing “existing experts” to rotate across multiple hospitals.
“We are at a deficit when it comes to medical experts. In some areas, we have only one or two specialists in the entire country. This is not sustainable for a growing population that requires quality healthcare”
Professor Grace Ayensu-Danquah, Member of Parliament for Essikado-Ketan
Ghana’s healthcare system has long struggled with the migration of medical professionals to countries with better wages and working conditions.
This “brain drain” has created gaps in specialized fields such as neurosurgery, cardiology, oncology, and reconstructive surgery—areas where diaspora experts could provide much-needed relief.
Making It Easier for Diaspora Experts to Contribute
Professor Ayensu-Danquah called on Parliament to ease the bureaucratic hurdles that make it “difficult for diaspora medical professionals to practice in Ghana”.
“When doctors come from elsewhere, there are certain exams they must take, but these exams are held only once or twice a year. The process of obtaining a medical license is tedious and sometimes inconvenient”
Professor Grace Ayensu-Danquah, Member of Parliament for Essikado-Ketan
She recommended that Parliament review existing policies to create a more streamlined pathway for diaspora medical professionals, allowing them to contribute their skills without unnecessary delays.
To further bridge the gap, she suggested a rotational system in which medical experts from the diaspora could visit Ghana on a periodic basis through “NGOs and government programs”.
“Even if these experts are not coming here permanently, we can use them on a rotational basis. Many of them are patriotic and would be willing to provide their services for free.
“This means we could benefit from their expertise at almost no cost to our medical system”
Professor Grace Ayensu-Danquah, Member of Parliament for Essikado-Ketan
In addition to her healthcare advocacy, Professor Ayensu-Danquah took the opportunity to acknowledge Cocoa Farmers in her constituency, Essikado-Ketan, as part of Ghana’s Chocolate Day celebrations.
She expressed appreciation to farmers in cocoa-growing areas such as Mmere Dane, Atease, and Bowoho Moden, promising to personally distribute chocolates to them over the weekend.
“Cocoa is one of Ghana’s most important exports, and we must celebrate those who contribute to its production,” she said as she wished all the “hardworking” cocoa farmers in her constituency “a happy Chocolate Day”.
However, she also raised concerns about the increasing threat of illegal mining (galamsey) to cocoa farms.
“Most of our cocoa plantations are being destroyed to make way for galamsey. This is a serious issue because cocoa brings in a significant portion of our country’s income. We need to take urgent action to protect this industry”
Professor Grace Ayensu-Danquah, Member of Parliament for Essikado-Ketan
Professor Ayensu-Danquah’s advocacy for diaspora engagement, coupled with her concerns about cocoa farm destruction, are a reflection of her interests in national well-being and development.
Her address reinforces the role that experienced professionals and the global Ghanaian community can play in strengthening the nation’s essential sectors.
Such vital solution-based recommendations could go a long way, not only for eventual policy changes in healthcare, but for her designation as the Deputy Minister for Health as well.
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