The Minister of Health, Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has given his firm assurance that no nurse or midwife recruited after December 7, 2024, will face dismissal under the government’s watch.
Speaking at the maiden African Nurses and Midwives Confederation Conference in Accra, Mr Akandoh emphasized that neither the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service, nor the Catholic Health Association of Ghana had terminated the employment of any health professional.
“We are committed to building and sustaining the health workforce,” he assured, pledging the government’s unwavering support for nurses and midwives by providing the logistical resources necessary to enhance healthcare delivery.
Nurses Take Minister’s Word for It
Reacting to the minister’s statement, Mrs Perpetual Ofori Ampofo, President of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), said the association expects the government to keep its word and ensure that no member of the nursing and midwifery profession faces job losses.
“We are taking his word for it, and we hope that nothing of such nature will happen,” she remarked.
She further noted that the GRNMA remains committed to collaborating with the Ministry of Health to achieve the country’s healthcare priorities while ensuring that the welfare of nurses and midwives is upheld.
Investing in the Backbone of Healthcare
The five-day conference, themed “Nurses and Midwives, Fostering Health for All in Africa,” has brought together delegates from 17 African countries to discuss ways to strengthen the nursing and midwifery profession across the continent.
Mrs Ampofo highlighted the critical role nurses and midwives play in national development, stressing the need for continuous investment in their training, career growth, and remuneration.
“Whether in education, clinical practice, research, rehabilitation, or preventive healthcare, we ensure that the population remains healthy. This should reflect in how we are remunerated for our efforts,” she stated.
She further advocated for better career progression opportunities, study leave, and improved motivation packages, noting that these factors contribute significantly to building a skilled and dedicated health workforce capable of supporting Ghana’s healthcare agenda.
Strengthening African Collaboration
The African Nurses and Midwives Confederation seeks to unite nurses and midwives across the continent to network, collaborate, and influence health policies for better healthcare outcomes.
As discussions continue, nurses and midwives remain hopeful that their concerns will be addressed, ensuring that Ghana’s healthcare system remains robust, well-resourced, and capable of delivering quality care to all.
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