By Kekeli K. Blamey
The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) advocates for the cancellation of certificate and diploma nursing programs, urging that all nursing education be elevated to a degree level. This proposal aims to enhance the country’s healthcare quality by ensuring a more qualified and professional nursing workforce.
Dr. David Tenkorang Twum, General Secretary of the GRNMA, described the current system as “bizarre” and highlighted the confusion caused by the three different entry levels into the nursing and midwifery profession. He noted that auxiliary nurses currently make up almost 60% of the workforce, which he believes dilutes the professionalism in the sector.
“We think that the majority must be degree-prepared. We have to cancel certificate programs, we have to cancel diploma programs, and train nurses and midwives at the degree level,” Dr. Twum stated during an interview on Accra-based JoyNews on Wednesday, July 17, 2024.
Dr. Twum emphasized that Ghana can train nurses and midwives to the degree level, citing Nigeria as an example where all registered nurses and midwives possess at least a first degree. He stressed the importance of upgrading the qualifications of auxiliary nurses, who constitute more than half of the current workforce.
“We can significantly improve maternal health indicators with a highly skilled nursing workforce,” Dr. Twum asserted, referencing research that supports the effectiveness of a baccalaureate-prepared nursing workforce.
He reassured current certificate and diploma holders that they would not be left behind. “If we cancel the training of diploma and certificate programs, we can upgrade the knowledge of those here,” Dr. Twum explained, adding that there are available courses to help auxiliary nurses enhance their skills.
The GRNMA’s proposal represents a bold move towards elevating the standards of nursing education in Ghana, aiming to create a more competent and professional healthcare system in the country.
