The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GNMA) has proposed the cancellation of certificate and diploma nursing programs, advocating for the elevation of all nursing education to the degree level.
This significant shift aims to address the challenges in the country’s healthcare sector by ensuring a more qualified and professional nursing workforce.
Dr David Tenkorang Twum, General Secretary of the GRNMA, revealed this decision during an interview on Joy News’ PM Express on Wednesday describing the current system as "bizarre."
He stressed the perplexity of having three different levels of entry into the nursing and midwifery profession and highlighted the current dominance of auxiliary nurses, who constitute almost 60% of the workforce.
“We think that the majority must be degree-prepared,” Dr Twum stated, stressing the need for a more skilled nursing population.
Read also: 50% of Ghanaian doctors now working abroad due to poor working conditions – Report
Dr Twum stated, "We have to cancel certificate programs, we have to cancel diploma programs, and train nurses and midwives at the degree level."
Drawing comparisons with Nigeria, where registered nurses and midwives must hold a first degree, Dr Twume argued that Ghana has the necessary resources and educational institutions to implement similar standards.
"We have the human resources and the schools so we can do that," he affirmed.
Dr Twum elaborated that the predominance of auxiliary nurses, who make up about 60% of the workforce, needs to be addressed by enhancing their qualifications.
"The diploma and degree-trained nurses and midwives are professional nurses," he noted.
Read also: Poor conditions force 24% of Ghanaian nurses to move abroad – Report
Preparing all nurses at the baccalaureate level, Dr Twum believes will significantly improve maternal health indicators, supported by research on the effectiveness of a highly skilled nursing workforce.
He reassured that current certificate and diploma holders would not be left behind.
"If we cancel the training of diploma and certificate, we can upgrade the knowledge of those who are here," Dr Twum explained.
He mentioned that there are already courses available to help nurses and midwives upgrade their skills to the degree level.
The GRNMA's proposal represents a bold move towards elevating the standards of nursing education in Ghana, aiming to create a more competent and professional healthcare system.
Latest Stories
-
Silicon cannot feel: Why humans will always matter in an AI world
17 minutes -
AAMUSTED students gripped by emotional lecture on Ghana’s environmental crisis
18 minutes -
Trans-Sahara Project kicks off with reconnaissance visit to Bolgatanga and Tamale
31 minutes -
Black Queens visit Jubilee House after WAFCON heroics; Mahama promises security service recruitment support
38 minutes -
Alien: Earth to Wednesday: 10 of the best TV shows to watch this August
48 minutes -
Forestry Commission condemns illegal shutdown of three district offices in Ashanti Region
1 hour -
National Security must end interference in Forestry Commission’s work – Anti-Galamsey Coalition cautions
1 hour -
Keep your eyes on us – MOBA 2015 marks inauguration with a promise to lead and serve
1 hour -
BoG warns financial institutions violating forex act; threatens to revoke remittance licenses
2 hours -
EPA engages media on land reclamation campaign; vows crackdown on non-compliant miners
2 hours -
Samini set to perform at 2025 Guinness Ghana DJ Awards
2 hours -
Beyond my wildest dreams: A journey to the White House, U.S. Capitol, and a life-changing leadership opportunity
2 hours -
Michael Bartlett‑Vanderpuye named CEO of the Year – Exporter at Ghana CEO Vision, Exhibition & Awards
3 hours -
Women in Aquaculture: COA holds Cold Chain Management training to boost fish preservation
3 hours -
GCB Bank launches digital salary advance product for workers
3 hours