The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has proposed the abolition of certificate and diploma nursing programs in favor of elevating all nursing education to the degree level.
This recommendation aims to address the challenges in the country’s healthcare sector by ensuring a more qualified and professional nursing workforce.
During an interview on Accra-based Joy News’ PM Express, GRNMA General Secretary, Dr. David Tenkorang-Twum described the current system, which includes three different levels of entry into the nursing and midwifery profession, as “bizarre.” He highlighted the dominance of auxiliary nurses, who make up almost 60% of the workforce, and stressed the need for a majority of degree-prepared nurses.
“We believe the majority must be degree-prepared,” Dr. Tenkorang-Twum stated, advocating for the cancellation of certificate and diploma programs and the elevation of nursing and midwifery education to the degree level.
Drawing comparisons with Nigeria, where registered nurses and midwives must hold a first degree, Dr. David Tenkorang-Twum argued that Ghana has the necessary resources and educational institutions to implement similar standards.
He emphasized that this shift would address the predominance of auxiliary nurses and enhance their qualifications, noting that diploma and degree-trained nurses and midwives are considered professional nurses.
Dr. Tenkorang-Twum assured that current certificate and diploma holders would not be left behind, explaining that there are courses available to help these nurses and midwives upgrade their skills to the degree level. He believes that preparing all nurses at the baccalaureate level will significantly improve maternal health indicators, supported by research on the effectiveness of a highly skilled nursing workforce.
The GRNMA’s proposal represents a bold move towards elevating the standards of nursing education in Ghana, aiming to create a more competent and professional healthcare system.
