“Until Ghana respects nursing, the health sector will never succeed” – Jones Afriyie-Anto ESQ, Chairman of Ash Reg Nurses & Midwives
Jones Afriyie-Anto ESQ, Chairman of the Ashanti Regional branch of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), has asserted that the nation’s health sector cannot thrive unless the nursing profession is accorded the respect it deserves
Speaking on Kessben Maakye, Afriyie-Anto highlighted several systemic issues plaguing the nursing sector.
He pointed out that despite nurses constituting approximately 70% of the healthcare workforce in Ghana, their contributions are often undervalued. He emphasized that the success of the health sector is intricately linked to the well-being and recognition of nurses.
Afriyie-Anto outlined several challenges that nurses face, including:
Many qualified nurses remain unemployed due to delays in their postings, with some waiting for years before being assigned to health facilities.
He alleged that some individuals within the Ministry of Health manipulate the posting system, demanding bribes from nurses to secure placements.
The migration of trained nurses seeking better opportunities abroad has led to a shortage of healthcare professionals in the country
Nurses often work in challenging environments with limited resources, affecting their ability to provide quality care.
Afriyie-Anto urged the government and relevant authorities to prioritize the nursing profession by addressing these issues. He called for the implementation of policies that ensure timely postings, fair recruitment processes, and improved working conditions for nurses. He also advocated for the full payment of medical bills for health workers, as previously agreed upon in negotiations.
WATCH VIDEO BELOW:
