Union of Professional Nurses and Midwives of Ghana lament deteriorating conditions in health facilities in Upper West Region

The Union of Professional Nurses and Midwives of Ghana (UPNMG), has intensified its advocacy for improved welfare for healthcare workers, citing deteriorating conditions in health facilities across the Upper West Region.

At a regional Nurses and Midwives Conference held in Wa under the theme “Who Cares for the Caregiver; The Plight of the Ghanaian Nurse,” the Union raised alarm over the growing strain on nurses and midwives, warning that the situation poses a serious threat to healthcare delivery.

The Ag. Regional President of the Union, Kenneth Naaeder, described the daily realities of healthcare workers as overwhelming, with many professionals forced to endure long hours, inadequate rest, and heavy patient loads due to chronic understaffing.

Nurses and midwives remain the backbone of our healthcare system, yet many continue to work under conditions that do not reflect the importance of their role,” he stated.

He stressed that the situation has led to widespread burnout and emotional stress.

He further highlighted the risks faced by healthcare workers, including exposure to infections, psychological trauma, and instances of verbal and physical abuse, all within poorly resourced facilities.

National President of the UPNMG, Maxwell Oduro Yeboah, called for urgent and deliberate policy interventions to address the challenges, emphasising that the welfare of caregivers is directly linked to the quality of care patients receive.

caregivers are not well taken care of, it will inevitably affect service delivery. We need policies that prioritise the health, safety and well-being of nurses and midwives,” he said.

Among key demands outlined by the Union are immediate recruitment and timely posting of trained nurses, equitable distribution of staff to underserved areas, improved working conditions, better remuneration, and the establishment of dedicated mental health support systems

Charles Lwanga Puozuing, the Upper West Regional Minister while acknowledging the concerns raised, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving conditions of service through targeted policies on remuneration, infrastructure, and professional development.

He, however, urged nurses and midwives to maintain high standards of professionalism, noting that discipline, compassion and ethical conduct are essential to sustaining public trust in the profession.

By Ibrahim Abubakari Wangara