By Samira Larbie/Ebenezer Annan

Accra, May 14, GNA – Dr. Joana Agyeman-Yeboah, Director of Nursing and Midwifery Services at the International Maritime Hospital, has called for increased investment in the welfare and development of nurses and midwives in Ghana.

She made the call at the launch of the 2025 International Nurses Day in Accra.

The Day was on the theme: “Nurses and Midwives, Our Future: Caring for Nurses and Midwives Strengthens Economies.”

Dr. Agyeman-Yeboah emphasized the critical role nurses and midwives played in healthcare, stressing the need for better working conditions, fair remuneration, and continuous professional development.

She cited low pay as a major challenge, saying it weakened the entire healthcare system and must be addressed to strengthen clinical competencies.

Dr. Agyeman-Yeboah also underscored the importance of education and leadership training in nursing and midwifery.

“Investing in nurses and midwives is not a financial burden but a strategic move towards building more efficient, sustainable, and equitable healthcare systems,” she said.

Mrs. Perpetual Ofori Ampofo, President of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), also called on the government to prioritise the health and wellness of nurses.

“A healthy nursing workforce would help provide high quality care, improve healthcare systems and increase economic resilience on a global scale,” she said.

Mrs. Ampofo urged a reform of the training system, recommending a single Bachelor of Science-level entry to replace the current auxiliary, diploma, and BSc levels.

She also cited key challenges, including lack of equipment, water supply issues, no allowances for nurses in underserved areas, and unpaid internships for rotation nurses.

“But if we want to attain Universal Health Coverage and the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals, especially the Goal 3, then it is important that we continue to invest in our nurses, in our midwives, and see that we gain economic impact,” she said.

Mrs. Ampofo called for the abolition of International Labour Organization Convention 119 to safeguard all workers, including health professionals.

Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, Deputy Chief of Staff, assured nurses and midwives of the government’s commitment to their welfare.

She announced that GH₵480 million had been allocated in the 2025 budget to support nursing trainees and said plans were underway to complete nearly 90 abandoned hospital projects.

“Caring for nurses and midwives is not charity, but a national duty,

“The government sees, honors, and would continue to stand with healthcare professionals to build a future for them,” she said.

In a speech delivered on his behalf, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh assured that efforts were underway to improve conditions of service, finalise a collective agreement, and curb the exodus of health professionals.

He called for a unified association of nurses and midwives to enable more effective collaboration with the Ministry on policy, communication, and advocacy.

International Nurses Day is observed globally on May 12, marking the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale and celebrating nurses’ contributions to society.

Dignitaries at the event included Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III, Paramount Chief of the New Juabeng Traditional Area, Alhaji Dawuda Ibrahim Braimah, Chief Labour Officer, directors, senior nurses, and midwives.

Several nurses and midwives were honored for their hard work.

GNA

KAS