Drivers of return migration of Ghanaian health professionals: perspectives from doctors and nurses in urban Ghana
International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care
ISSN: 1747-9894
Article publication date: 10 June 2014
Issue publication date: 10 June 2014
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.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors acknowledge the University of Ghana Business School's Research and Conferences Committee for the support for this study.
Corrigendum: It has come to the attention of the publisher that the article: A. Adzei, F. and K. Sakyi, E. (2014), “Drivers of return migration of Ghanaian health professionals: perspectives from doctors and nurses in urban Ghana”, International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care, Vol. 10 No. 2, pp. 102-120. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMHSC-06-2013-0014, did not include Jennifer Amonoo-Harrison as an author.
Our guidelines make it clear that anyone who makes a significant contribution to the paper must be included as an author.
Jennifer Amonoo-Harrison has been added as an author.
Citation
A. Adzei, F., K. Sakyi, E. and Amonoo-Harrison, J. (2014), "Drivers of return migration of Ghanaian health professionals: perspectives from doctors and nurses in urban Ghana", International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care, Vol. 10 No. 2, pp. 102-120. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMHSC-06-2013-0014
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2014, Emerald Group Publishing Limited