The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives’ Association (GRNMA) has condemned what it calls an “unjustifiable and criminal” assault on a senior staff midwife by relatives of a patient at the Community 22 Polyclinic.
According to a statement issued by the GRNMA, the midwife was physically attacked while carrying out her professional duties at the facility.
The Association did not name the victim but described the incident as part of a “disturbing and increasing trend” of national attacks on health workers.
“No nurse, midwife, or healthcare worker should be subjected to intimidation, threats, harassment, or physical assault in the course of rendering essential services to the public,” the statement signed by President Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo and General Secretary Dr. David Tenkorang-Twum read.
The GRNMA issued a three-pronged call for action.
The Association called on the management of Community 22 Polyclinic to implement immediate security measures, including enhanced security at all critical service points, strict visitor controls, rapid response protocols for staff attacks, surveillance systems, and regular security risk assessments.
It appealed to the Ghana Police Service to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves, identify and arrest the perpetrators, and ensure prosecution, stating that swift action will not only provide justice for their colleague but also serve as a deterrent to others.
The GRNMA further urged the Ministry of Health to develop and enforce a national policy on prevention of workplace violence in healthcare, invest in security infrastructure across health facilities, establish reporting and support systems for victims of workplace violence, and strengthen legal protections for nurses and midwives.
The Association tied the incident to Ghana’s delay in ratifying ILO Convention 190 on Violence and Harassment in the World of Work.
The convention provides a framework for preventing and addressing violence in workplaces, including hospitals.
“This unfortunate incident once again highlights the urgent need for the Government of Ghana to ratify and implement ILO Convention 190,” the release stated.
The GRNMA urged the public to desist from violence against health workers, noting that nurses and midwives often work under extremely challenging conditions.
“Differences, frustrations, or misunderstandings should never be resolved through violence.
“We encourage members of the public to use established complaint and grievance procedures where concerns arise,” the statement read.
Addressing its members, the Association acknowledged the anger, disappointment, and concern the incident has caused but urged nurses and midwives to remain calm, professional, and law-abiding while investigations proceed.
“An attack on one nurse or midwife is an attack on the entire nursing and midwifery profession. We will continue to stand united in defending the rights, safety, and dignity of every nurse and midwife in Ghana,” the GRNMA cautioned.
