Ghana is facing a medical brain drain! More and more doctors—from fresh medical graduates to seasoned specialists—are packing their bags and heading abroad. The reasons? Low pay, poor working conditions, limited career growth, and burnout.
But where exactly are they going? And should you consider leaving?
If you’re a doctor in Ghana thinking about your future or just curious about the state of medical migration, keep reading. We will attempt to break down:
✅ The top reasons why doctors are leaving Ghana
✅ The best countries for Ghanaian doctors
✅ The real pros and cons of working abroad
Let’s dive in!
Why Are Ghanaian Doctors Leaving?
1️⃣ Poor Salaries and Delayed Payments
Let’s be real—medicine in Ghana does not pay well compared to other countries.
A newly qualified doctor earns around GH₵6,000–GH₵8,000/month ($400–$600). Even specialists, after years of training, often find their salaries uncompetitive.
Worse still, salary payments can be delayed for months. Some house officers have gone 6 months without pay, surviving on loans and family support.
Comparison:
- Ghana → $400–$600/month
- UK (NHS) → £30,000–£70,000/year ($38,000–$88,000)
- USA → $120,000–$400,000/year
- Canada → $100,000–$300,000/year
It’s no surprise doctors are looking elsewhere!
2️⃣ Overwork and Burnout
⚕️ One doctor. 50+ patients. 48-hour shifts.
Ghanaian doctors are massively overworked and understaffed. Emergency physicians, house officers, and general practitioners bear the heaviest burden.
Work hours comparison:
- Ghana – 48+ hours straight, often with no breaks
- UK – Max 48 hours/week (regulated by law)
- Australia – 40 hours/week (with overtime pay)
The result? Burnout, stress, and mental health struggles. Many doctors just can’t take it anymore.
3️⃣ Limited Career Growth and Specialization
Many doctors dream of becoming specialists, but in Ghana, postgraduate training is extremely tough.
Challenges:
- Few slots available in the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons (GCPS)
- Long waiting periods to enter specialty programs
- Inconsistent funding for medical education
Meanwhile, countries like the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia offer structured, faster, and better-funded specialty training.
Alternative pathways:
- UK – PLAB + NHS training programs
- USA – USMLE → Residency match
- Australia – AMC exams + medical board registration
4️⃣ Lack of Essential Resources & Equipment
Imagine working in a hospital without gloves, syringes, or even basic drugs. Many Ghanaian doctors are forced to watch patients suffer due to preventable conditions.
A doctor’s frustration: “I had to ask a patient’s family to buy gloves before I could examine him.”
Meanwhile, in the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia, hospitals are well-equipped with modern technology, digital records, and emergency response systems.
5️⃣ High Cost of Living & Economic Instability
The Ghanaian cedi is depreciating, and inflation is making life expensive.
Many doctors struggle to afford houses, cars, or even quality education for their kids.
Some work multiple locum jobs just to survive.
Meanwhile, foreign countries offer higher salaries, tax benefits, and better savings opportunities.
Why stay when you can build a better future elsewhere?
Where Are Ghanaian Doctors Going?
1. United Kingdom (UK) – The #1 Choice
The UK’s PLAB pathway makes it easy for Ghanaian doctors to enter the NHS.
✅ Salaries: £30,000–£70,000 per year
✅ Work hours: 48 hours/week (regulated)
✅ Postgraduate training: Clear and structured
✅ Family benefits: Free healthcare, education, and work opportunities
Downside: High cost of living in cities like London
2. United States (USA) – Higher Pay, Tougher Entry
Doctors who pass the USMLE exams can earn huge salaries in the USA.
✅ Salaries: $120,000–$400,000 per year
✅ Technology: World-class medical facilities
✅ Career growth: Unlimited specialization options
✅ Pathway to citizenship available
Downside: The USMLE process is tough and expensive.
3. Canada – High Quality of Life
Canada’s MCCQE exam allows foreign doctors to enter the system.
✅ Salaries: $100,000–$300,000 per year
✅ Work-life balance: Less stress, more security
✅ Free healthcare, strong job security, and pathway to citizenship
Downside: Licensing can take time, and winters are extremely cold! ❄️
4. Australia & New Zealand – Great Work-Life Balance
These countries actively recruit international doctors!
✅ Salaries: $80,000–$250,000 per year
✅ Relaxed lifestyle & beautiful environment
✅ Shorter working hours & easier licensing (AMC exams)
Downside: Far from Ghana—travel is expensive.
5. UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar – Tax-Free Salaries
Many Ghanaian doctors move to the Middle East for tax-free income and amazing perks.
✅ Salaries: $70,000–$250,000 per year
✅ Perks: Free housing, flights, and school fees
✅ Work-life balance: Shorter hours, modern hospitals
Downside: Cultural differences and strict work policies.
Should You Leave Ghana?
Leaving Ghana is a personal decision. Some doctors thrive abroad, while others struggle with cultural differences and licensing exams.
Ask yourself:
✔️ Am I ready for the licensing exams & paperwork?
✔️ Can I handle cultural & professional differences?
✔️ Am I leaving for the right reasons (career growth vs. just money)?
✔️ Do I have a long-term plan (permanent move vs. temporary experience)?
Final Thoughts – What’s the Future of Medicine in Ghana?
Unless salaries, working conditions, and training opportunities improve, Ghana will continue to lose its best and brightest doctors.
If you’re planning to leave, plan strategically.
If you’re staying, find ways to improve your career (private practice, telemedicine, investments).
Are you a Ghanaian doctor planning to leave or stay? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Found this insightful? Share it with fellow doctors!