Report By: Ishmael Barfi
The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has marked International Nurses Day 2025, aligning with the global theme: ‘Nurses and Midwives, Our Future: Caring for Nurses and Midwives Strengthens Economies.’
In Ghana, nurses and midwives are integral to the healthcare framework, providing crucial services that enhance health outcomes and save lives.
However, despite their significant roles, they encounter various challenges that impact their physical, mental, emotional, and social wellbeing.
This celebration allowed the GRNMA to reflect on the achievements, sacrifices, and contributions of these professionals while reiterating the need to tackle their urgent issues.
During the event, GRNMA President, Mrs. Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, commended Ghanaian nurses and midwives for their commitment and impact on the healthcare system and the economy at large.
She highlighted the multifaceted roles of nurses, which range from preventive care and clinical services to research, and stressed the importance of a supportive work environment and the availability of resources.
Furthermore, Mrs. Ofori-Ampofo disclosed that the Ministry of Health, in partnership with various stakeholders, is actively pursuing reforms within the health sector, with discussions having taken place with teaching hospitals and chief executives nationwide.
She voiced her concerns regarding the delays in the implementation of the collective agreement established in May 2024, pointing out that such delays have resulted in significant demoralization among healthcare workers.
The current circumstances have led numerous professionals to explore job opportunities overseas due to insufficient salaries and unsatisfactory working conditions.
Furthermore, it was noted that Ghana’s public health spending is approximately 10%, significantly lower than the 15% recommended by the Abuja Declaration and far from the ideal target of 30%.
Mrs. Ofori-Ampofo called on the government to enhance investment in the health sector to improve infrastructure, equipment, and the overall welfare of healthcare workers.
During her address as the Guest of Honour, Hon. Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, a former Deputy Chief of Staff and prominent member of the NDC, recognized the essential contributions of nurses and midwives to national development.
She stressed the importance of equitable compensation, safe working environments, and targeted strategies to mitigate the increasing brain drain in the healthcare sector.
To tackle these issues, she announced that an NDC government has allocated GHS 480 million for reinstating nursing trainee allowances and GHS 9.93 billion for comprehensive healthcare initiatives.
Additionally, she affirmed the party’s commitment to completing all pending hospital projects, including the Agenda 111 initiative.
Hon. Oye Bampoe Addo revealed that data from the GRNMA shows that from January 1 to July 2023, more than 10,209 nurses sought clearance to pursue job opportunities abroad.
She concluded by assuring stakeholders that the government plans to establish formal international partnerships aimed at creating substantial job opportunities for nurses while maintaining the integrity of Ghana’s healthcare system.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
