Health Minister Pledges Better Working Condition For Nurses And Midwives

The Health Ministry will this year sponsor 15 nursing and midwifery educators to pursue PhD training, as part of a bold plan to upgrade Ghana’s health workforce and strengthen healthcare delivery.

Health Minister Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh announced the initiative at the 6th Nursing and Midwifery Excellence and Hall of Fame Awards, held in Tamale.

He said the programme aims to elevate more professionals to the highest academic level within four years, ensuring that Ghana’s health workforce is “well-trained, well-equipped, well-supported, and fairly rewarded.”

The Minister also pledged to institutionalize the awards and tackle systemic health sector challenges, including staff migration, poor working conditions, and workplace safety.

He condemned all forms of abuse against health professionals, calling for grievances to be addressed through proper complaint channels rather than confrontation.

“We work under very difficult conditions, but our health workers must feel safe and supported,” Hon. Akandoh stressed, urging health professionals to uphold the image and integrity of their profession.

The event celebrated excellence in clinical practice, leadership, education, research, regulation, and service in deprived communities.

Three distinguished personalities were also inducted into the Nursing and Midwifery Hall of Fame, a recognition the Minister described as a “statement of national pride”.

GHC50k Reward

In another development, the Health Minister has announced a GHC 50,000 cash award for Naomi Oyo Ohene-Oti, a Ghanaian oncology nurse who recently won the 2025 Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award.

Madam Ohene-Oti, who was recognised internationally for her outstanding contributions to cancer care, presented her accolade to the Ministry of Health in Accra.

Congratulating her on behalf of the government and the people of Ghana, on August 26, 2026, Mr Akandoh said her achievement was a source of national pride and a reflection of the dedication, compassion, and professional excellence of Ghanaian nurses.

“This is not just your personal triumph but also a testament to the hard work of nurses across the country who serve in critical roles, often in deprived areas where doctors may be absent,” the Minister stated.

He reaffirmed that nurses remain the backbone of healthcare delivery in Ghana and outlined ongoing government interventions to support their welfare. These include the reduction of nursing training school fees by almost half compared to last year, continued payment of trainee allowances, and plans to upgrade some training institutions into degree-awarding facilities.

Turning to Mrs. Ohene-Oti, the Minister commended her for raising Ghana’s flag high on the global stage. “Your achievement is Ghana’s achievement. Today, we are proud of you, and this support package is not just from me but from the Ministry of Health and the people of Ghana who stand behind you,” he said.

Hon. Akandoh expressed confidence that her recognition would inspire other health professionals, including doctors, pharmacists, and nurses, to strive for excellence internationally.

He further called for stronger collaboration among the public, regulators, unions, and health training institutions in shaping a more resilient health system. “Wisdom is not in one person’s head. Together, we can make Ghana’s healthcare system one of the best on the continent,” he stressed.

The Minister pledged that the government will continue to recognise and support health workers whose contributions advance healthcare delivery and project Ghana positively on the world stage.