The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has raised concerns about the poor infrastructure in rural areas where nurses provide healthcare services.
President of the Association, Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, highlighted the challenges faced by nurses operating in such areas, including working in mud houses and dealing with inadequate facilities.
Ofori-Ampofo explained that some nurses are stationed in remote areas where internet connectivity is limited, and access to communities requires crossing rivers using canoes.
She described the conditions in some health facilities as substandard, with nurses working in mud houses that are poorly constructed and prone to leaks.
Despite efforts to negotiate relief packages for nurses accepting postings to underserved communities, Ofori-Ampofo lamented that the agreements made with the government in 2020 have yet to be implemented.
She emphasized the importance of improving the conditions of service for nurses and midwives to retain them in the profession.
Ofori-Ampofo acknowledged that Ghana’s economy may not allow for conditions comparable to those in high-income countries but stressed the need for improvement.
The GRNMA is currently engaged in negotiations with the government to enhance the condition of service for nurses and midwives, with the hope that their demands will be met.