Bolgatanga: Dr Francisca Achaliwie, a Senior Lecturer at the School of Nursing and Midwifery at the Clement Kubindiwo Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences, emphasized that the future of nurses and midwives is intricately linked to Ghana's economic prosperity. She highlighted this connection during her keynote address at the 2025 regional launch of the nurses and midwives' week celebration.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Achaliwie asserted that investment in these healthcare professionals by policymakers equates to investment in healthier families, stronger communities, and a robust economy. She declared, "Nurses and midwives are not just the future; we are the present, the heartbeat of Ghana's health system and economy."
The event, organized by the Upper East Regional leadership of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), aimed to honor the contributions of nurses and midwives to Ghana's healthcare delivery system. Dr Achaliwie urged association members to recommit to advocating for their profession's dignity, equipping themselves for excellence, and demanding the necessary investments. She called for a national priority on caring for nurses and midwives, beyond mere thematic discussions.
Dr Achaliwie, also the Head of the Department of General and Preventive Health Nursing at the university, encouraged reflection on the sacrifices, resilience, and dedication demonstrated by nurses and midwives in the Upper East Region and beyond. She highlighted that these professions form the backbone of healthcare, directly impacting the quality of care provided to communities. The lecturer reminded the association members of their rich heritage of compassion, dedication, and clinical excellence, tracing back to the pioneering days of Christian missions and the establishment of formal training institutions.
In a speech read on his behalf, Dr Braimah Baba Abubakari, the Upper East Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service, expressed gratitude to the region's nurses and midwives for their significant role in the healthcare delivery system. He acknowledged their tireless efforts, empathy, and expertise as a beacon of hope for those in need.
Mr Emmanuel Tibil Panzin, the Upper East Regional Chairman of the GRNMA, underscored the importance of nurturing the healthcare workforce by ensuring they have the necessary resources, training, and support. He noted that such measures would not only improve health outcomes but also foster economic development by reducing disease burden and increasing productivity. Mr Panzin called for collaboration among stakeholders to create environments where nurses and midwives could thrive, thereby strengthening the entire economy.
