By Godfred Aaneamenga Polkuu
Pusu-Namongo (U/E), June 7, GNA — Dr Michael Wombeogo, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Allied Sciences at Regentropfen University College at Kansoe Namoo in the Bongo District, has called for increased investment in nurses and midwives across Ghana.
He urged stakeholders to improve working conditions, provide leadership opportunities, and strengthen professional development to enhance healthcare delivery.
Dr Wombeogo made the call when he addressed members of the Upper East Regional branch of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) at the launch of the International Nurses Day celebration in Pusu-Namongo in the Talensi District.
The event was held on the theme: “Our Nurses, Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives,” and brought together nurses and midwives of various categories, deans, principals and tutors of health training institutions, among other officials in the region.
He described the theme as more than a slogan, saying: “This theme is not just a slogan but a call to action, a declaration of truth, and a vision for tomorrow by the nurses and midwives of Ghana.”
Dr Wombeogo highlighted the critical role of nurses and midwives in Ghana’s health system, noting that they make up more than 60 per cent of the health workforce and often serve as the only healthcare providers in rural and underserved communities.
“Our nurses are our future. Empowered nurses do not just save lives; they transform societies,” he said as keynote speaker.
He added that nurses and midwives contribute significantly to education, social development, politics and the economy, while remaining the backbone of maternal and child healthcare services nationwide.
Referencing the International Council of Nurses (ICN), Dr Wombeogo outlined seven powers of nursing, including trust, care, proximity, professionalism, practice, numbers and peace, which position nurses as key drivers of health equity and community resilience.
He stressed that empowerment must go beyond symbolism and be reflected in practical policy actions.
“Empowerment is not symbolic, it is structural. It means investing in safe, fair working conditions, enabling nurse leadership, and ensuring decision-making power,” he stated.
He highlighted challenges facing nurses and midwives, including workforce shortages, burnout, delayed incentives, inadequate leadership representation and limited infrastructure, particularly in northern Ghana.
He called on government, development partners and health stakeholders to invest in nursing education and leadership, protect healthcare workers and recognise nurses as equal partners in health policy formulation.
“Today, let us commit to investing in nursing education and leadership, protecting nurses with safe workplaces, and recognising nurses as equal partners in health policy,” he urged.
Mr Emmanuel Tibil Panzin, Upper East Regional Chairman of the GRNMA, also stressed the need for urgent action to improve the welfare and working conditions of nurses and midwives.
He warned that a hungry and unhealthy workforce cannot effectively safeguard national health, adding that persistent systemic challenges continue to undermine the dedication of frontline health professionals.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali /Audrey Dekalu
Reporter: Godfred Aaneamenga Polkuu
Email: [email protected]