Accra, June 05, GNA – The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has condemned the physical assault of a senior staff midwife by relatives of a patient at the Tema Community 22 Polyclinic.
It is calling for immediate steps to protect nurses and midwives across the country.
In a statement signed by Madam Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, President, and Dr David Tenkorang Twum, General Secretary, the Association said it received the reports with “grave concern” and described the attack as “uncultured, unacceptable, and criminal.”
“No nurse, midwife, or healthcare worker should be subjected to intimidation, threats, harassment, or physical assault in the course of rendering essential services to the public,” the statement said.
GRNMA stressed that healthcare facilities must remain places of healing and safety, not environments where staff fear for their lives while on duty.
The Association is urging hospital management to strengthen security measures immediately.
It called for enhanced security presence at critical service points, strict visitor management and access control, rapid response protocols for violence against staff, functional surveillance systems, and regular security risk assessments.
GRNMA also wants the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service, Christian Health Association of Ghana, teaching hospitals, and other health agencies to prioritise staff safety.
Specific demands include developing and enforcing a national policy on preventing workplace violence in healthcare, investing in security infrastructure, setting up reporting and support systems for victims, and applying strong sanctions against perpetrators.
The Association further appealed to the government to ratify and implement International Labour Organisation Convention No. 190 on Violence and Harassment in the World of Work.
It said the convention provides a framework to prevent and address violence in workplaces, including health facilities.
On the specific incident, GRNMA called on the Community 22 Police Station to treat the case with urgency and ensure all those responsible are identified, arrested, prosecuted, and brought to justice.
It said swift action would provide justice for the victim and serve as a deterrent.
The Association appealed to the public to desist from violence against health workers and to use established complaint procedures where concerns arise.
To nurses and midwives, GRNMA urged calm and professionalism while investigations proceed, adding that the Association remained committed to pursuing justice and advocating for the safety and dignity of all members.
GNA
Edited by Samuel Osei-Frempong