Drivers of return migration of Ghanaian health professionals: perspectives from doctors and nurses in urban Ghana

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the trend of return migration of health professionals to Ghana and how it is impacting the delivery of health services in the country. It also highlights the challenges facing returnees to the country. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative exploratory case study approach was employed in the study. Data gathered were analysed using the sequential model of qualitative content analysis. Findings – It was found that while push factors dominantly influence out-migration, pull factors rather dominated reasons for return migration. Other determinants of return migration include social and financial benefits to the home country, achieving goals for travelling, skills’ improvement and spousal consideration. The paper also highlights some of the challenges returnees usually encounter in the home country. Social implications – This paper makes reasonable recommendations regarding how return migration of Ghanaian health professionals might be smoother. Originality/value – The study brings to the fore, the necessity for the government to plan for health professionals, who returned to Ghana to contribute to the health system.