The leadership of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) in the Builsa North Municipality has held a durbar for members to deliberate on professional welfare and the future of healthcare delivery in the region.
The event on the theme: “Strength in Unity: Advancing Nursing and Midwifery Through Unionism,” brought together nurses and midwives of all ranks.
National and regional executives attended to engage directly with the municipal membership on critical concerns.
Addressing the gathering, Mr Samuel Alagkora Akolgo, the First Vice President of the GRNMA, described members as “masters of care.”
He emphasized that a deep understanding of the profession was vital to providing quality service to the public.
Mr Akolgo assured members that the association remained committed to defending their rights, provided they upheld professional standards.
“Where our members are unnecessarily frustrated, we will not sit and allow that to continue.
“However, where the facts do not support a member, we will stand with management. Our duty is to care for those entrusted to us diligently,” Mr Akolgo, who is also a lawyer stated.
A major highlight of the durbar was the discussion on the challenges faced by staff in rural areas.
Mr Akolgo expressed concern over reports that hardworking staff were often denied study leave or reposting after completing their mandatory service years in remote locations.
“If someone serves in a rural area for a certain period, management must be ready to cycle others in. Our staff need to be able to further their education or move to areas where they can build a social life. Social well-being is essential to professional performance,” he noted.
Mr Cabral Vwawojei Bantiu, the Builsa North Municipal Director of Health Services and chairperson of the event, noted that while the theme was timely, the Municipality still faced significant hurdles.
He pointed to low performance in the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and issues with NHIS fund generation.
“We are challenged by staff attitudes and weak teamwork. These are not just statistics; they represent missed opportunities to save lives and protect children,” he said.
Other key speakers echoed the call for a balance between labour rights and professional ethics.
Hajia Maria Fusieni, the Municipal Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, urged members to adhere strictly to the Ghana Health Service core values to regain public trust.
Mr Solomon Ansoabyie Akogti, the Builsa North Municipal Chief Executive, commended the GRNMA’s advocacy but warned staff to eschew unprofessional behaviors that tarnish the image of the healthcare sector.
Mr Ashiley Nii Ayitey, the Municipal Chairman of the GRNMA, stressed that unity was the union’s greatest tool for attracting new members and achieving better conditions of service.
The durbar concluded with a renewed commitment from the municipal leadership to foster a more collaborative environment between the union and health management to improve healthcare outcomes in Builsa North.
GNA
