No government can absorb all graduate health personnel — NPP's Dr. Kyeremanteng   

Dr. Michael Kyeremanteng, National Deputy Secretary of the Bawumia Identifiable Group Campaign Team, has emphasised that no government can fully absorb all graduate health personnel into public service.

He urged students to embrace entrepreneurship as a viable solution to graduate unemployment.

Speaking at a meeting with nursing students at the Ho Nursing College on Thursday, Dr. Kyeremanteng highlighted the importance of private sector involvement in reducing unemployment.

He explained that creating private health facilities through entrepreneurship could provide sustainable employment for graduates who might otherwise remain unemployed for years.

“Thousands of graduates are still waiting for government postings. Do you want to add to their numbers?” he asked the students. He encouraged them to form groups and seek financial support from the Ghana Enterprise Agency (GEA) to establish private businesses or health facilities.

By doing so, they could not only create jobs for themselves but also employ other graduates, thereby helping to alleviate the unemployment crisis.

Dr. Kyeremanteng shared his personal experience, noting that he successfully established health facilities in Ghana and Europe, employing many people in the process.

“In Europe, most health facilities are privately owned, with only a few run by the government. This model has ensured sustainable employment and reduced dependency on public sector jobs,” he said.

He acknowledged the difficulties faced by health professionals in Ghana, particularly the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war, which led to the closure of some of his hospitals.

Despite these challenges, he reiterated that entrepreneurship remains a critical solution to the current economic challenges. He praised Dr. Bawumia's proposed credit-scoring system, which he believes could enhance access to capital for young entrepreneurs.

During the interactive session, students raised concerns about delayed allowances and access to funding from the GEA. Benjamin Abotsi, the SRC PRO, explained that some students had not received their allowances consistently, with arrears from previous months still unpaid.

In response, Dr. Kyeremanteng assured the students that all necessary uploads for allowance payments were in place and promised to expedite the process.

He also pledged to address the discrepancies highlighted by the SRC PRO, ensuring that all students received their due payments.

Mr. Andy Kofi Kuffour, a member of the campaign team, encouraged the students to remain focused and determined, emphasizing that perseverance and hard work are key to success.

“With determination, you can overcome any obstacle and achieve greatness,” he said.

The event, attended by over a thousand students, provided a platform for dialogue on the challenges facing graduate health professionals and the potential of entrepreneurship as a solution.

Dr. Kyeremanteng's message resonated with the students, inspiring them to explore innovative ways to secure their future beyond government employment.

GNA