Due to the delicate nature of their services, healthcare professionals are encouraged to be apolitical. This ensures trust and professionalism since they serve all manner of people regardless of their backgrounds.

However, the negative impact of politics on nursing and midwifery in Ghana has been multifaceted. Consequently, this has been affecting their working conditions, job satisfaction, and ability to provide quality healthcare.

Political Interference In Healthcare Delivery 

As a result of the creeping politicisation of the nursing and midwifery in Ghana, it has led to distress among patients, distress and decreased job satisfaction.

This stance is supported by a study by GRNMA research department in 2023; The perceived organisational politics among nurses has significantly affected  job satisfaction, leading to stress and low productivity.

Strike Actions and Healthcare Disruption

Recently, the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has embarked on strike actions to demand better working conditions.

They however managed to get an understanding with the with the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health, after a successful meeting.

Limited Participation in Policy Development

One of the major reasons for that perceived politicisation of the profession has been sidelining of stakeholders in the health sector. Nurses and midwives in Ghana are often overlooked by policymakers.

This exclusion of the stakeholders in the healthcare industry continues to hinder the effectiveness of healthcare policies and reforms.

There is therefore a need for increased involvement of nurses and midwives in policy development. This will ensure that their perspectives and expertise are taken into account.

Capacity Building and Training

The Government of Ghana has initiated programs to upgrade the skills and knowledge of nurses and midwives. For example, the Ministry of Health has announced plans to sponsor 15 nursing and midwifery educators to pursue PhD training in 2025.

Such state initiatives can enhance the capacity of nurses and midwives to provide quality healthcare services.

The Brain-Drain Challenges

Ghana faces a significant challenge with the incessant exodus of nurses. Data says over 732 nurses have left the shores of the country since January 2024.

This unfortunate exodus of our professionals could exacerbate the existing dire shortage of healthcare professionals. It will also compromise the quality of healthcare services in the country.

The Way Forward

To mitigate the impact of politics on nurses and midwives in Ghana, the following strategies should be employed:

• Increased Participation in Policy Development:

I strongly advocate that nurses and midwives should be actively involved in health policy development and reviews to ensure that their perspectives and expertise are taken into account.

• Improved Working Conditions:

The government should prioritize improving working conditions, including adequate staffing, equipment, and resources, to enhance job satisfaction and reduce stress among nurses and midwives.

• Capacity Building and Training:

Continued investment in capacity building and training programs can enhance the skills and knowledge of nurses and midwives, enabling them to provide quality healthcare services.

• Retention Strategies

I am also of the firm belief that implementing effective retention strategies; competitive remuneration and career development opportunities with a better condition of service, will help reduce nurse migration and retain skilled healthcare professionals in Ghana.