Dr. Solomon Forkuo-Kwarteng, a senior lecturer at Kumasi Technical University and head of the university’s Entrepreneurship Village and Incubation Centre, has issued a stark warning to the Ghanaian government regarding the ongoing crisis in the healthcare sector. He argues that the current poor conditions of service for nurses and midwives, characterized by inadequate compensation and challenging working environments, amount to exploiting their patriotism and effectively constitute a form of modern-day slavery. He stresses the urgent need for the government to address these issues, emphasizing that failing to adequately reward these essential healthcare professionals will inevitably lead to declining morale, reduced productivity, and a compromised healthcare system.
Dr. Forkuo-Kwarteng’s call for action comes amidst a nationwide strike by nurses and midwives protesting their poor working conditions and demanding better remuneration. This industrial action has brought significant disruptions to healthcare delivery across the country, leaving numerous patients without access to necessary medical attention and raising serious concerns about the overall state of the nation’s healthcare system. The lecturer’s comments, made during an interview on OTEC 102.9 FM, highlight the growing frustration and disillusionment among healthcare workers who feel undervalued and underappreciated despite their crucial role in safeguarding public health. He argues that the government’s failure to prioritize the welfare of these frontline workers undermines their commitment and dedication, ultimately jeopardizing the quality and accessibility of healthcare services.
The lecturer’s core argument centers on the principle of fair compensation for essential services. He maintains that nurses and midwives, who dedicate their lives to caring for the sick and vulnerable, deserve to be adequately rewarded for their hard work, commitment, and the inherent risks associated with their profession. He contends that expecting these professionals to continue working under subpar conditions, without commensurate compensation, is not only unjust but also unsustainable. This exploitation of their sense of duty and professional obligation, he posits, is akin to demanding patriotic service without providing the necessary support and recognition, a situation he equates to “slavery.”
Furthermore, Dr. Forkuo-Kwarteng emphasizes the long-term consequences of neglecting the needs of healthcare workers. He argues that a demotivated and underpaid workforce will inevitably lead to a decline in the quality of healthcare services provided. Burnout, low morale, and a potential exodus of skilled professionals to countries with better working conditions could cripple the healthcare system, leaving the nation vulnerable to health crises. He criticizes the government for its apparent lack of urgency in addressing this critical issue and calls for a fundamental shift in its approach to healthcare worker compensation and welfare.
The ongoing strike by the Ghana Nurses and Midwives Association underscores the gravity of the situation. The association has vowed to continue the industrial action until their demands for better pay and improved working conditions are met. This stand-off between the healthcare workers and the government has created a critical impasse, intensifying public anxiety over the prolonged disruption of healthcare services. The lack of a clear and decisive response from the government further exacerbates the situation, fueling uncertainty and raising concerns about the government’s commitment to resolving the crisis.
Dr. Forkuo-Kwarteng’s call for action extends beyond the current crisis, urging successive governments to prioritize the welfare of healthcare professionals as a matter of national importance. He argues that the contribution of these individuals to national development is invaluable and should be recognized through fair and sustainable compensation packages, decent working conditions, and opportunities for professional growth. He stresses that investing in the healthcare workforce is not merely an expenditure but a crucial investment in the nation’s future, ensuring a healthy and productive population capable of contributing to economic and social progress. His message carries a powerful message: a nation that undervalues its healthcare workers undermines its own well-being and jeopardizes its future.
