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REVEALED: Columbus’s mayor signed a deal to import nurses from Ghana into Ohio using taxpayer dollars. Ghanaian officials say it could become a model for other U.S. states. Mayor Andrew Ginther’s pitch: “Ghana has made significant investment in training nursing professionals who can migrate legally to enter a ready market in Columbus.” The groundwork began with his office in February. Ohio University representatives have discussed preparing prospective Ghanaian nurses for work in Columbus. And the sister-city nonprofit that helped arrange the deal? Columbus approved up to $225,000 in taxpayer funding for its operations this year. That’s funding for the organization. The recruitment program’s own price tag remains unclear. The announcements don’t identify hiring employers, how many nurses would come, or who pays their relocation costs. The mayor has already signed.

— Natalie Winters (@nataliegwinters) October 14, 2026

Columbus’s mayor signed a deal to import nurses from Ghana into Ohio using taxpayer dollars.

Ghanaian officials say it could become a model for other U.S. states.

Mayor Andrew Ginther’s pitch:

“Ghana has made significant investment in training nursing professionals who can migrate legally to enter a ready market in Columbus.”

The groundwork began with his office in February.

Ohio University representatives have discussed preparing prospective Ghanaian nurses for work in Columbus.

And the sister-city nonprofit that helped arrange the deal? Columbus approved up to $225,000 in taxpayer funding for its operations this year.

That’s funding for the organization. The recruitment program’s own price tag remains unclear.

The announcements don’t identify hiring employers, how many nurses would come, or who pays their relocation costs.

The mayor has already signed.