The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) advocates for upgrading nursing education in Ghana by transitioning certificate and diploma programmes to the degree level.
In an interview, the General Secretary of the GRNMA, Dr David Tenkorang Twum strongly criticises the current system as “bizarre,” highlighting that three different entry levels into nursing and midwifery have enabled auxiliary nurses, who now constitute nearly 60% of the workforce, to dominate the profession.
“We believe the majority should possess degrees. We must discontinue certificate and diploma programmes and instead educate nurses and midwives at the degree level,” he stated during an interview on July 17, 2024.
Dr Twum emphasises Ghana’s capability to train nurses and midwives at the bachelor’s level, drawing parallels with Nigeria, where all registered nurses and midwives hold at least a first degree.
“They aim to phase out all lower-level nursing education, believing this change will significantly enhance the quality and professionalism of the nursing workforce in the country. “
He also emphasises the importance of enhancing the qualifications of auxiliary nurses, who currently make up more than half of the profession’s workforce.
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