GRNMA Condemns Assault On Midwife At Tema Polyclinic …Demands Stronger Protection

The President of Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association, Mrs. Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, has condemned the assault on a senior midwife at the Tema Community 22 Polyclinic and called for urgent measures to protect health workers across the country.

She condemned the growing pattern of abuse against nurses and midwives in healthcare facilities.

The Ghana Registered Nurses And Midwives Association explained that the incident occurred when the midwife was administering medication to a patient who underwent a Caesarean section.

She indicated that the health professional asked a relative of the patient to leave the ward because visiting hours ended, leading to a confrontation that allegedly turned physical.

“Hospitals are places of healing where peace, compassion and order must prevail. Health workers need a calm environment to provide the quality care patients deserve. When a senior midwife is administering medication, the task goes beyond simply giving drugs. Many medications require careful calculations and precise dosages, making concentration essential” Mrs. Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo noted.

She expressed concern over the repeated attacks on healthcare workers, noting that failure to hold offenders accountable may encourage similar conduct. The GRNMA President referenced an earlier incident at Ridge involving an attacker identified as Ralph, whose case attracted public attention but who has never been punished.

Furthermore, she called for stronger security arrangements at health facilities across the country. The President believes stricter access controls, improved surveillance systems and greater support from law enforcement agencies can help prevent future incidents.

“We need stronger guidelines on how these incidents are managed. We need the police to assist us. Hospital management must strengthen security in our workplaces.”

The GRNMA disclosed that the Police Service at Tema Community 22 has taken up the matter and are preparing to arraign the suspect before court. The association indicated that it would continue monitoring proceedings closely while expecting a public response from the Ministry of Health.

Mrs. Ofori-Ampofo emphasised that hospitals already have established procedures through which complaints can be lodged and investigated. She therefore called on members of the public to respect healthcare workers and follow the rules governing hospital visits.

The GRNMA President further highlighted the shortage of midwives in Ghana and warned that violence against health professionals could worsen existing workforce challenges. She noted that the country has about 28,000 midwives serving a growing population and described their responsibilities as highly specialised and essential to maternal healthcare.

She also appealed to journalists and the public to join efforts aimed at protecting nurses and midwives. In her view, collective action will help create safer workplaces and preserve the quality of care delivered to patients nationwide.

The Association assured the senior midwife of its full support as investigations continue, adding that, it has already activated welfare structures to provide assistance and reassurance to the affected healthcare worker.

Mrs. Ofori-Ampofo indicated that the management of the Community 22 Polyclinic bears a responsibility to support the victim following the incident. She said counselling and psychological support would be important in helping the midwife regain confidence and continue her professional duties.

The GRNMA President explained that workplace safety extends beyond physical protection and includes emotional wellbeing. She therefore encouraged management to demonstrate commitment to staff welfare through practical interventions.

The President disclosed that Greater Accra Regional Branch of the GRNMA has contacted the victim shortly after news of the incident emerged. Officials within the branch reportedly engaged the healthcare worker to offer encouragement and assess her immediate needs.

“Unfortunately, I am currently attending the 114th International Labour Conference of the International Labour Organization in Geneva and I am therefore out of the country. However, the other executives of the association have taken up the matter and are actively following developments.”

The Midwives Society, which operates under the umbrella of the GRNMA, has also reached out to the victim. According to the President, the gesture is to demonstrate solidarity with members facing challenges in the line of duty.

The President of the association stressed that the assault should concern all Ghanaians because healthcare workers play a critical role in safeguarding public health. She argued that ensuring their safety is essential for maintaining confidence within the health system.

The GRNMA President reiterated the commitment of the association to following the case to its conclusion and supporting the victim throughout the legal process. She expressed hope that the outcome would reinforce respect for health workers and strengthen safety standards across healthcare facilities.