GRNMA calls for 48,000 additional nurses to address staffing shortages

The Greater Accra Regional branch of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has revealed that the country requires approximately 48,000 additional nurses to provide adequate healthcare services to the population. Speaking at a forum organized to recognize the contributions of healthcare workers in rural areas, the association's regional chairman, Jefferson Asare Danquah, highlighted a widening gap in the health workforce that threatens the quality of care across the nation. According to Mr. Danquah, the staffing situation is worsened by the annual retirement of about 5,000 nurses, which consistently depletes the existing workforce. This has resulted in a challenging nurse-to-patient ratio of one nurse for every 18 patients, a figure that significantly exceeds standard benchmarks. He further pointed out that Ghana’s investment in health has seen a sharp decline over the last decade, with expenditure falling from 9 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to just 2.9 percent. The forum, hosted by the Tobinco Media Group, served as a platform for healthcare professionals to voice their concerns regarding inadequate logistics and poor service conditions. During the event, the association and organizers honored the dedication of health workers serving in deprived communities. Specifically, Comfort Abire and Richard Beyanteng were recognized and rewarded for their exceptional service and commitment to providing care in some of the most remote and under-resourced parts of the country. The GRNMA emphasized that addressing these shortages and improving service conditions is essential for the sustainability of Ghana's healthcare system. Mr. Danquah urged the government to prioritize healthcare investment to ensure that both urban and rural facilities are properly staffed and equipped. The association noted that without a deliberate effort to recruit and retain nursing staff, the pressure on the current workforce will continue to undermine the delivery of essential health services.