The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association has revealed that promises made to nurses and midwives during the management of the COVID-19 outbreak in Ghana were never fulfilled.
According to the association, Ghanaian nurses and midwives served on the frontline during the health crisis but did not enjoy any of the benefits pledged to them.
Philimon Gyapong, National Assistant Public Relations Officer for the association, disclosed this in an interview on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, describing the situation as a bitter experience for health workers.
He has therefore appealed that, as Ghana puts measures in place to manage any potential outbreak of Ebola, all critical areas—particularly the welfare of medical officers, including nurses and midwives—must be prioritized.
Mr Gyapong made the remarks while discussing the steps Ghana should take in preparation for any potential Ebola cases.
The Ministry of Health has stepped up national preparedness and surveillance measures following reports of new Ebola virus disease cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Kenya, and Nigeria. The initiative aims to prevent any potential importation of the virus, ensure early detection, prompt isolation, and guarantee effective management of suspected cases across the country.
According to an official statement signed by the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Kenya reported an imported case of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus from the DRC on October 6, 2026. As of October 17, six additional cases, including healthcare workers, have been confirmed.
Commenting on the development, Mr Gyapong indicated that Ghanaian nurses and midwives are ready to support the management of outbreaks in Ghana. However, he stressed that all essential logistics required to enhance their work must be deployed swiftly.
He noted that Ebola is a dangerous viral disease that spreads rapidly, much like COVID-19.
“COVID caused serious devastation in Ghana, especially for health workers. It was a sad situation for nurses and midwives because the promises made to us were not fulfilled. We were promised insurance packages for those who contracted the disease in the course of our work. We were promised a specified fund for treatment and a huge amount for those who lost their lives through COVID-19, but these promises were not delivered. Due to these failed promises, nurses and midwives are unhappy about how we manage these infectious situations.”
He emphasised the urgent need for authorities to procure all necessary protective gear and logistics to enable health workers to perform their duties safely and efficiently.
Mr Gyapong further advised the public to remain calm, practise strict hand hygiene, and avoid contact with individuals exhibiting symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, fatigue, vomiting, or unexplained bleeding.
He added that members of the public should also maintain social distancing, wear face masks at gatherings, and wash their hands frequently.
He advised health to track and monitor travellers arriving from high-risk regions in line with public health protocols, alongside enhancing laboratory preparedness and updating standard operating procedures.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
