The Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives (GCNM) has appealed for increased investment in specialist nursing and midwifery training to address funding challenges and the impact of migration on Ghana's health workforce. Rector Dr. Mrs. Gloria Achempim-Ansong made the call at the College's 11th Annual General Meeting and 6th Seminar, themed 'Building a resilient specialist nursing and midwifery workforce to improve health outcomes.' Dr. Achempim-Ansong emphasized the need for a permanent office complex to support the College's expanding responsibilities.
The College's lack of a permanent office complex is a major challenge to its operations and future growth, despite significant progress in its mandate. Dr. Achempim-Ansong appealed to the Minister for Health to lead efforts towards developing a permanent office complex on the College's two-acre land at the University of Ghana. A permanent facility would provide the necessary infrastructure to support the College's expanding mandate and operations.
Inadequate sponsorship for residency programs is another major challenge confronting specialist nursing and midwifery education in Ghana. Dr. Achempim-Ansong acknowledged the support of existing sponsors, including G-DNA, WCC, and GMTF, but emphasized the need for greater investment to enable more nurses and midwives to undertake specialist training. The cost of specialist education continues to place financial pressure on many residents, limiting access to training opportunities.
The migration of nurses and midwives is a worrying trend affecting both individual trainees and the wider health system. Dr. Achempim-Ansong described the situation as concerning, with many leaving their training programs without completing them due to migration opportunities. This trend could undermine efforts to build the specialist workforce needed to improve healthcare delivery in Ghana.
Despite challenges, the College has achieved milestones, including introducing a new pathway for Fellowship by Examination. In March 2026, the College formally inducted its first batch of 11 Fellows by Examination, marking an important step in strengthening specialist nursing and midwifery education in Ghana. This development represents a new pathway distinct from the previous practice of inducting Fellows through election.
President of the Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives, Prof. Mrs. Victoria B. Bam, also called for increased investment in the College's infrastructure to accommodate growing demand for specialist nursing and midwifery education. The increasing number of applicants and growing interest from employers require the College to expand its facilities. Prof. Mrs. Bam appealed to the Ministry of Health and local and international partners to provide financial support for the College's infrastructure development plans.
The College will continue to advocate for measures that make specialist training more accessible while creating conditions that encourage nurses and midwives to remain in the system. Dr. Achempim-Ansong emphasized the need for better funding, increased opportunities for study leave with pay, and deliberate policies that encourage specialization. The College's efforts aim to build a strong pool of specialists capable of contributing to nursing and midwifery education and strengthening the health workforce.
Key points
- GCNM calls for increased investment in specialist nursing and midwifery training to address funding challenges and migration impact.
- The College urges the Minister for Health to lead efforts towards developing a permanent office complex on its two-acre land at the University of Ghana.
- Inadequate sponsorship for residency programs and migration of nurses and midwives are major challenges confronting specialist nursing and midwifery education in Ghana.
