The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives’ Association (GRNMA) has strongly condemned the assault of a senior staff midwife by relatives of a patient at the Community 22 Polyclinic, describing the incident as a criminal act that highlights growing concerns over the safety of healthcare workers in Ghana.
In a press release issued on June 5, the Association expressed grave concern over reports that the midwife was physically attacked while performing her professional duties.
GRNMA stated that no nurse, midwife, or healthcare worker should face intimidation, harassment, threats, or violence while delivering essential healthcare services.
The Association emphasised that healthcare facilities must remain safe environments dedicated to healing and patient care rather than places where healthcare professionals fear for their personal safety.
Calls for Immediate Security Measures
GRNMA urged the management of the affected health facility to immediately strengthen security arrangements to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Association recommended enhanced security presence at critical service points, stricter visitor management and access control systems, rapid response mechanisms for violent incidents, improved surveillance systems, and regular security risk assessments.
The Association also called on the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service, Christian Health Association of Ghana, teaching hospitals, and other healthcare agencies to prioritise the safety of nurses and midwives nationwide.
Among its demands are the development and enforcement of a national policy on preventing workplace violence in healthcare settings, increased investment in security infrastructure, the establishment of support and reporting systems for victims, and stronger sanctions against perpetrators of violence against healthcare workers.
Ratification of ILO Convention 190
GRNMA further renewed calls for Ghana to ratify and implement the International Labour Organisation Convention 190 on Violence and Harassment in the World of Work. According to the Association, the convention provides a comprehensive framework for addressing workplace violence and would strengthen protections for healthcare professionals and other workers.
Appeal for Police Action
The Association called on the Community 22 Police Station to expedite investigations into the incident and ensure that all persons responsible are identified, arrested, prosecuted, and brought to justice.
GRNMA said swift action would not only provide justice for the affected midwife but also serve as a deterrent against future attacks on healthcare workers.
Public Urged to Reject Violence
The Association appealed to the public to refrain from all forms of violence and aggression against nurses and midwives, stressing that healthcare professionals work under challenging conditions and should not be subjected to abuse.
“Nurses and midwives are not enemies of patients or their families,” the statement noted, urging the public to use established complaint and grievance procedures when concerns arise.
Message to Healthcare Workers
Addressing members of the nursing and midwifery profession, GRNMA acknowledged the anger and concern generated by the incident and urged healthcare workers to remain calm, professional, and law-abiding while investigations continue.
The Association reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing justice for the assaulted midwife and advocating for stronger measures to guarantee the safety, dignity, and security of nurses and midwives across the country.
“An attack on one nurse or midwife is an attack on the entire nursing and midwifery profession,” the statement concluded.
