The 5th Nursing and Midwifery Leaders and Managers Conference, alongside the 4th Excellence Awards, has been held in Takoradi, in Ghana’s Western Region, under the theme: “Empowering Nursing and Midwifery Leaders and Managers to Promote Quality Healthcare Delivery.”
This three-day event is a vital opportunity to strengthen Ghana’s healthcare system by reinforcing the commitment of nurses and midwives to delivering high-quality healthcare. Now an essential annual event in Ghana’s health sector, the conference provides a forum for exchanging ideas, recognizing excellence, and setting strategic priorities for the future of nursing and midwifery leadership in the country.
An important highlight of the conference is the Excellence Awards, which celebrate the outstanding achievements of nurses and midwives. These awards recognize individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, passion, and innovation in advancing maternal and child health across the country.
In an address delivered on behalf of the Hon. Minister for Health by Dr Hafez Adam Taher, Director of Technical Coordination at the Ministry of Health, it was noted that Ghana’s Nursing and Midwifery Strategic Plan and Services Framework for 2024-2028 emphasizes building a skilled and empowered workforce. This strategy aligns with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Strategic Directions for Nursing and Midwifery, which advocates stronger leadership, enhanced education, and improved governance within the nursing and midwifery professions.
The Minister encouraged participants to use the conference as an opportunity to identify innovative solutions, strengthen networks, and develop actionable strategies that will drive progress in nursing and midwifery leadership.
Dr. Anarfi Asamoah-Baah, Board Chairman of the University of Ghana Medical Centre, delivered the keynote address, stressing that quality healthcare relies on quality health workers, training, and faculty. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to address challenges in these areas, rather than relying on isolated initiatives or pilot programs. Dr. Asamoah-Baah called for continued support in training, supervision, and standard-setting, as well as the establishment of a credible and transparent system to make nursing and midwifery attractive professions.
In a remark read on behalf of Alhaji Hafiz Adam, Chief Director of the Ministry, it was noted that the conference serves as a platform for assessing the performance of nurses and midwives, while this year’s theme emphasizes the role of leaders and managers in improving care quality to achieve better health outcomes for all.
Dr. Barnabas K. Yeboah, Director of Nursing and Midwifery at the Ministry, emphasized the need for the government to consider appointing nurses and midwives as CEOs of teaching hospitals, Regional Directors of Health Services, and other leadership roles within the healthcare sector. He also called for the introduction of incentive packages for nurses and midwives working in deprived communities and the establishment of a research fund to support their work.
The event has gathered over 200 participants, including nursing and midwifery leaders and managers, representatives of health sector development partners, agency heads, experts, traditional leaders, and media personnel.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Kwabena Nyarko Abronoma
