Ghanaian medical graduates who have completed their studies in Cuba are appealing to President John Dramani Mahama to intervene in efforts to bring them back home after weeks of uncertainty over their departure.
The graduates say they have remained in Cuba nearly two months after completing their studies, with several scheduled departure dates postponed.
Raphael Oteng Boakye, president of the recently graduated Ghanaian doctors in Cuba, said the group completed its studies on July 22 and was originally expected to return to Ghana on August 28.
However, that date was repeatedly pushed back, with September 3 or 4, September 7, September 9 and September 15 or 17 subsequently mentioned as possible departure dates.
Speaking about the issue on Saturday, September 19, Mr Oteng Boakye appealed directly to President Mahama to intervene.
He said the graduates urgently need to return to Ghana to begin the next stage of their professional journey.
According to him, the doctors must undergo a six-month clinical attachment in Ghana before taking the medical licensing examination.
The continued delay, he said, could therefore affect their professional plans and postpone their entry into Ghana’s health system.
The graduates are also raising concerns over outstanding financial obligations. Mr Oteng Boakye said six months of stipends were owed to them, with four months reportedly having received funding but still not paid.
He further alleged that a $360 annual book allowance had not been paid for five years.
Beyond the financial concerns, the graduates say some members are struggling with expired health insurance and student identification cards. They have also reported challenges with electricity and water at their residences.
The group has engaged the Ghana Scholarship Authority and Ghana’s diplomatic mission in Cuba, but says no firm return date has been communicated.
Mr Oteng Boakye is therefore urging the government to facilitate their immediate return, settle outstanding allowances and support their first attempt at the medical licensing examination.
