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U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno criticizes Columbus Mayor Ginther’s $225,000 Ghana nursing plan

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U.S. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) has criticized Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther’s decision to allocate $225,000 for the Ghana-Columbus Nursing Partnership Programme, calling it a misuse of public funds. The program, established under a sister-city agreement with Ghana’s Greater Accra Region, aims to address local hospital staffing shortages by recruiting nurses from overseas. Moreno accused Ginther of prioritizing foreign labor over domestic workforce development, citing a letter he sent to the mayor on October 28. “You were elected to serve the citizens of Columbus, not the citizens of Ghana,” Moreno wrote, arguing that the program risks depressing wages for American nurses.

In the letter, Moreno highlighted $8.3 million in taxpayer funds he claims have been directed toward noncitizens and foreign governments during Ginther’s tenure. He urged the mayor to redirect resources to expand nursing programs at Ohio State University, Capital University, Kent State University, and the University of Cincinnati, which he described as “outstanding” and capable of producing locally trained nurses. “Instead of investing in Ohio’s domestic workforce, you and the Columbus City Council chose to direct $225,000 in public dollars towards recruiting nurses from overseas,” Moreno wrote.

Moreno’s Criticism of $225,000 Program

The Ghana-Columbus Nursing Partnership Programme, signed on September 15, 2026, is part of a broader debate over foreign labor initiatives in Ohio. Moreno’s letter specifically targeted the $225,000 allocation, calling it a “fraction” of the $8.3 million he claims has been spent on noncitizen-focused projects. He argued that the program “replaces American workers with cheap foreign labor,” a claim the mayor’s office has not addressed publicly. The letter also emphasized that Ohio’s nursing schools could provide a sustainable solution to staffing shortages without relying on international recruitment.

Ohio Senator Criticizes Columbus-Ghana Nursing Partnership

Alleged Misallocation of Taxpayer Funds

Moreno’s critique aligns with broader tensions between state Republicans and municipal leaders over spending priorities. Senator Moreno alleged that approximately $8.3 million in taxpayer dollars has been used to benefit noncitizens and foreign governments since Ginther was elected, according to his letter. The mayor’s office has not issued a formal response to the letter, but the controversy highlights ongoing disputes over how public funds are used for workforce development. The Ghana-Columbus programme remains operational, with no indication of immediate changes to its funding or structure.

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