05/06/2026
IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
ASSAULT ON A SENIOR STAFF MIDWIFE BY RELATIVES OF A PATIENT AT COMMUNITY 22 POLYCLINIC:
A CALL FOR URGENT ACTION TO PROTECT NURSES AND MIDWIVES
The leadership of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has received with grave concern reports of the physical assault of a midwife by relatives of a patient while carrying out her professional duties at a healthcare facility at Community 22 Polyclinic.
We unequivocally condemn this uncultured, unacceptable, and criminal act of violence against a healthcare professional whose only duty was to provide care and support to patients and their families. 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.
Healthcare facilities must remain places of healing, compassion, and safety—not environments where nurses and midwives fear for their lives and personal security while performing their duties.
Demand for Immediate Action by Hospital Management
Hospital management has a duty of care to ensure that nurses and midwives can work in a safe and secure environment.
We therefore call on the management of the hospital involved to immediately strengthen security measures within the facility and implement robust mechanisms to prevent future occurrences. This should include:
* Enhanced security presence at all critical service points.
* Strict visitor management and access control systems.
* Rapid response protocols for incidents involving violence against staff.
* Installation and maintenance of surveillance systems.
* Regular security risk assessments and staff protection measures.
Call on the Ministry of Health and Its Agencies
With violence against nurses and midwives becoming an increasing threat requiring national attention, we therefore call on the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service, the Christian Health Association of Ghana, teaching hospitals, and all health sector agencies to prioritize the safety and security of nurses and midwives and demand as follows:
* The development and enforcement of a national policy on prevention of workplace violence in healthcare settings.
* Investment in security infrastructure across health facilities.
* Establishment of reporting and support systems for victims of workplace violence.
* Strong sanctions against perpetrators of violence against healthcare workers.
Call for Ratification of ILO Convention 190
This unfortunate incident once again highlights the urgent need for the Government of Ghana to ratify and implement ILO Convention No. 190 on Violence and Harassment in the World of Work.
Convention 190 provides a comprehensive framework for preventing and addressing violence and harassment in workplaces, including healthcare settings. Its ratification will demonstrate Ghana’s commitment to protecting workers from violence, abuse, intimidation, and harassment.
We urge the Government of Ghana, Parliament, employers, workers’ organizations, and all stakeholders to expedite efforts toward the ratification and implementation of this important international labour standard.
Call on the Police Service
We call upon the Community 22 Police Station of the Ghana Police Service to treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves and expedite investigations to ensure that all persons responsible for this assault are identified, arrested, prosecuted, and brought to justice.
Swift action will not only provide justice for our colleague but also serve as a deterrent to others who may contemplate similar acts.
Appeal to the Public
We also appeal to the public to desist from all forms of violence, threats, and aggression against nurses and midwives.
Nurses and midwives are not enemies of patients or their families. We work under extremely challenging conditions, often making personal sacrifices to save lives and provide quality care. 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.
Message to the Nursing and Midwifery Fraternity
To all nurses and midwives across the country, we acknowledge the anger, disappointment, and concern that this incident has generated within the profession.
We urge members of the nursing and midwifery fraternity to remain calm, professional, and law-abiding while the appropriate authorities investigate the matter. The Association remains fully committed to pursuing justice for our colleague and advocating for concrete measures to be put in place to guarantee the safety, dignity, and security of nurses and midwives in every healthcare facility across Ghana.
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.
PERPETUAL OFORI-AMPOFO (FWAPCNM, FGCNM)
President
DR. DAVID TENKORANG-TWUM (FGCNM)
General Secretary
Dated: 5th June, 2026.
