Ghana’s health system requires highly trained and specialised professionals to address the growing complexity of disease patterns.
The Dean of the School of Nursing and Midwifery at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) and Associate Professor of Nursing, Professor Peter Adatara said this at the induction ceremony of Associate Members, Members and the first cohort of Fellows by examination of the Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives on Tuesday in Accra.
He congratulated the inductees for their dedication and perseverance, describing their achievement as a contribution not only to their personal development but also to national healthcare delivery.
He indicated that health systems across the world are facing increasing pressure due to the rising burden of non-communicable diseases, emerging infectious diseases, maternal and neonatal complications and the effects of climate change on public health.
According to him, the World Health Organisation, non-communicable diseases account for about 41 million deaths globally each year, with about 85 per cent of premature deaths occurring in low and middle-income countries.
“The global health body also estimates that the world could face a shortage of about 11 million health workers by 2030, with Africa expected to experience the largest gaps,” he said.
Prof. Adatara said Ghana experiences a similar trend, with increasing cases of chronic diseases such as cancer and other long-term conditions.
He explained that responding effectively requires not only more health workers but professionals with specialised clinical expertise.
He noted that specialist nurses and midwives play an important role in improving clinical care, patient safety and health outcomes, while also strengthening leadership in healthcare delivery and supporting research and evidence-based practice.
Prof. Adatara commended the work of the Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives in developing structured pathways for specialist training and professional development.
He said the induction of the first cohort of Fellows by examination represents an important step in strengthening clinical leadership within the profession.
He also acknowledged efforts by the Ministry of Health (Ghana) and the Government of Ghana to strengthen specialist health training.
Among the initiatives he mentioned was the introduction of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, established in July 2025 under Act 1144, which mobilises sustainable financing for specialised medical care for individuals living with non-communicable diseases. The Fund also supports the training of specialist health professionals, including nurses and midwives.
Prof. Adatara further pointed to the expansion of specialist nursing and midwifery training across selected health training institutions as another effort aimed at increasing the number of professionals with advanced competencies.
He called on government agencies, academic institutions, regulatory bodies, professional associations and development partners to strengthen collaboration to support specialist nursing and midwifery education.
He encouraged newly inducted professionals to demonstrate leadership through innovation, mentorship and research.
He urged them to contribute to improving healthcare delivery and to support the development of future generations of nurses and midwives.
He said the strength of Ghana’s health workforce will determine the country’s ability to achieve universal health coverage, improve maternal and child health outcomes and build resilient health systems.
On his part, the Chairman of the Ghana Council of Nurses and Midwives Governing Council, Dr Thomas Winsum Anabah, who also doubles as Member of Parliament for the Garu Constituency commended the leadership of the Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives for maintaining high academic and professional standards in specialist training programmes.
He said the College plays an important role in developing the cadre of advanced professionals needed to support the next phase of health system development in Ghana.
The ceremony also marked a milestone with the induction of the first cohort of Fellows admitted through examination, a development Dr Anabah described as a sign of the growing maturity of the institution.
He urged the newly inducted Fellows to see their recognition not only as an honour but also as a responsibility to mentor younger professionals, advance research and strengthen the profession.
Dr Anabah said his experience in rural communities has shown the essential role nurses and midwives play in sustaining healthcare delivery.
He noted that in many remote areas, nurses and midwives hold the health system together through their dedication and commitment to patient care.
Dr Anabah encouraged the newly inducted professionals to pursue excellence, practice with compassion and serve as ambassadors of the nursing and midwifery profession.
He also acknowledged the support of families, colleagues and institutions that contributed to the professional development of the inductees.
Dr Anabah said strengthening specialist nursing and midwifery education will contribute to building a stronger health workforce and improving the overall health of the Ghanaian population.
Priscilla Osei-Wusu Nimako, ISD
