“Our interest is not to stay out of work but to continue serving the people of Ghana.”

This was the emphatic message from Kingsley Osei-Sarfo, Chairperson of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) in the Brong Ahafo region, directed at the government.

Speaking at the 2025 International Nurses’ Day celebration held at Sunyani Asufufu , Mr Osei-Sarfo urged the government to sign and implement the agreed conditions of service by July 2024 to prevent escalating industrial unrest.

The event, themed “Nurses and Midwives are the Future: Caring for Nurses and Midwives Strengthens Economies”, provided a platform for healthcare professionals to discuss welfare concerns and enhance capacity for improved healthcare delivery.

The celebration also featured a candlelight procession honouring the legacy of Florence Nightingale.

Mr Osei-Sarfo lamented poor working conditions, citing low remuneration, inadequate accommodation, and lack of essential equipment and infrastructure — all of which, he said, are undermining healthcare services.

“One key issue is our pay. Nurses are struggling financially, often forced to take loans to make ends meet. Addressing this would stabilise our finances and enable us to provide the best nursing care possible,” he said.

He further appealed for urgent action to improve accommodation facilities for healthcare workers.

“We call on all stakeholders to ensure that suitable accommodation is made available so that nurses can deliver care effectively and as required.”

Mr Osei-Sarfo was clear that the association’s call for action is not arbitrary but grounded in prior agreements with the government.

“These agreements have been thoroughly discussed, agreed, and signed. What remains is for the government to implement them. Our roadmap begins on Monday, 2nd June, with the wearing of red bands on the 2nd and 3rd. From 4th to 8th June, outpatient services will be withdrawn, and from 9th June, all healthcare services will be suspended if no progress is made.”

“We want to stress that our aim is not to stay away from work. We wish to continue serving the people of Ghana. We therefore call on our employers to engage with our leaders and finalise the signing of the conditions of service,” he added.

He urged nurses and midwives in the Bono East and Brong Ahafo regions to stand firmly behind their leadership during this critical period.

The Regional Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Christiana Esi Ankrah, also appealed for prioritisation of the nursing sector to ensure efficient healthcare delivery.

“I implore the Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Service to adopt a comprehensive approach that prioritises the welfare and empowerment of nurses and midwives through investment in education, leadership development, innovation, and policy reforms that recognise their vital contribution.”

At the event, outstanding nurses were recognised for their exemplary service, with Senior Midwifery Officer Mary Acheampongma of St Therese’s Catholic Hospital in Nkoranza South named the overall best nurse for 2025 in the Bono Ahafo region.