Back to My Roots: A Study of Returning Emigrated Health Professionals in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana

Abstract

The migration of health professionals from low-income to high-income countries affects the smooth functioning of health systems. Nevertheless, health professionals who return home help strengthen the health sector, leading to national development. This exploratory study focuses on factors influencing the return migration of health professionals and the benefits thereof to Ghana. The qualitative method was used to gather information from sixty respondents who consented to participate. The pull factor for migration was high income, while for return migration, the completion of projects and imparting knowledge to young health professionals were the dominating pull factors. These health professionals come with skills and expertise and create employment opportunities. Challenges faced were bureaucracy and constraints on support from government agencies.