Bahamas to Recruit 300 Ghanaian Teachers Under New Education Pact

The Commonwealth of the Bahamas will recruit 300 Ghanaian teachers this year under a new education cooperation agreement reached during official bilateral talks between the two countries.

The announcement was made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, after representing President John Dramani Mahama at the 53rd Independence Anniversary celebrations of The Bahamas.

Mr Ablakwa said the agreement follows official negotiations with the Government of The Bahamas and marks the first phase of a broader partnership in the education sector.

“I am delighted to announce that following official negotiations, Bahamas is ready to receive 300 Ghanaian teachers this year to boost education in that brotherly and beautiful country,” he said.

He explained that the recruitment programme builds on the success of an earlier labour mobility arrangement under which Ghanaian nurses have been serving in The Bahamas.

“It gives us much pride to note that Bahamian authorities are deeply impressed with the excellent work ethic of Ghanaian nurses serving under a similar agreement,” he said.

According to the Minister, the deployment of the teachers will open a new chapter in labour mobility between the two countries by extending opportunities beyond the health sector.

“The 300 Ghanaian teachers will usher in a new era of expanded labour mobility beyond health workers between our two nations,” he added.

During the visit, Mr Ablakwa conveyed President Mahama’s appreciation to the Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Philip Edward Davis, for inviting Ghana to participate in the country’s 53rd Independence Anniversary celebrations.

He said Ghana and the Bahamas share deep historical and cultural ties, with many Bahamians tracing their ancestry and heritage to Ghana.

Mr Ablakwa expressed confidence that the new education partnership would deepen cooperation between the two countries while creating employment opportunities for Ghanaian professionals.

He said the Government remains committed to pursuing diplomatic engagements that create tangible benefits for Ghanaians.

“Ghana congratulates the Commonwealth of The Bahamas on this milestone and looks forward to more celebrations and strategic partnerships. We shall continue to actively pursue impactful diplomacy which directly benefits the Ghanaian people,” he said.

In a related development, the Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas has agreed to renew work permits for Ghanaians in the construction and engineering sector who have been working under private business initiatives.

“We have successfully resolved the issue following constructive discussions,” he noted.

The minister commended the distinguished Minister of State for Immigration in The Bahamas, The Honourable Darron S. Pickstock, MP, for his remarkable leadership.

Joyce Adwoa Animia Ocran, ISD