The 5th Nursing and Midwifery Leaders and Managers Conference, coupled with the 4th Excellence Awards, is underway in Takoradi, in the Western Region of Ghana.
This three-day event is being held under the theme, “Empowering Nursing and Midwifery Leaders and Managers to Promote Quality Healthcare Delivery.” The conference aims to fortify Ghana’s healthcare system by fostering leadership and excellence among nurses and midwives and setting strategic priorities for the profession’s future.
Dr. Hafez Adam Taher, Director of Technical Coordination at the Ministry of Health, delivered an address on behalf of the Honorable Minister for Health.
“The government is committed to advancing nursing and midwifery education, leadership, and governance, essential components in achieving universal health coverage,” Dr. Taher said.
Dr. Taher emphasized Ghana’s Nursing and Midwifery Strategic Plan and Services Framework for 2024-2028, which aligns closely with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Strategic Directions for Nursing and Midwifery.
Dr. Taher highlighted that Ghana’s strategic framework emphasizes building a skilled and empowered workforce capable of delivering quality care across the nation.
Dr. Anarfi Asamoah-Baah, Board Chairman of the University of Ghana Medical Centre, also delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the necessity of a comprehensive approach to address challenges within healthcare staffing, training, and standards.
“Quality healthcare depends on quality health workers. We need a holistic approach, not fragmented pilot programs, to elevate the standards of healthcare professionals.”
Dr. Anarfi Asamoah-Baah, Board Chairman of the University of Ghana Medical Centre
Dr. Asamoah-Baah called for ongoing support in training, supervision, and transparent systems to make nursing and midwifery professions both attractive and impactful career choices.
Alhaji Hafiz Adam, Chief Director of the Ministry, emphasized that the conference is not only a forum for celebrating achievements but also a platform for assessing the performance of nursing and midwifery professionals.
In his remarks, he stressed that this year’s theme emphasizes the vital role leaders and managers play in improving healthcare quality.
“Leadership and accountability are essential to achieving better health outcomes for all,” Alhaji Adam remarked. He noted that the Ministry is committed to upholding high standards in nursing and midwifery to meet the growing demands of healthcare delivery in Ghana.
Calls for Enhanced Leadership Roles and Support
A notable call to action came from Dr. Barnabas K. Yeboah, Director of Nursing and Midwifery at the Ministry of Health, who urged the government to consider appointing nurses and midwives to high-level positions such as CEOs of teaching hospitals and Regional Directors of Health Services.
“We must open leadership doors for our seasoned nurses and midwives, who understand the system and are committed to delivering quality healthcare.”
Dr. Barnabas K. Yeboah, Director of Nursing and Midwifery at the Ministry of Health
Dr. Yeboah also advocated for the implementation of incentive packages for healthcare professionals working in deprived communities, noting that such measures would improve staff retention in these areas.
Moreover, Dr. Yeboah proposed the establishment of a research fund specifically for nurses and midwives. According to him, supporting research efforts would enable nursing and midwifery professionals to contribute evidence-based practices and innovations to Ghana’s healthcare sector.
The 5th Nursing and Midwifery Leaders and Managers Conference, serves as a platform for recognizing excellence and fostering professional growth, while also providing an opportunity to set strategic goals that will guide the profession’s future.
As Ghana works toward building a more robust healthcare system, empowering its nursing and midwifery workforce is crucial for achieving sustainable improvements in health outcomes. Through continued investment in leadership, education, and innovation, Ghana is taking significant steps to enhance the quality of healthcare for all its citizens.
READ ALSO: Global Oil Supply to Exceed Demand in 2025, Says IEA
