On November 9, the staff of the Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital in Mampong held a vigil to honor their deceased colleague, Ruth Mamle Nartey, a midwife tragically killed on October 30 by a speeding vehicle near the hospital’s entrance as she returned home from work. The event was marked with deep sorrow, as staff adorned in red armbands gathered to light candles in Ruth’s memory. The vigil saw participation from both clinical and non-clinical personnel, as well as hospital management. Following the candle-lighting ceremony, the staff marched to the site of the accident, ending their procession at the location where Ruth lost her life, demonstrating their grief and solidarity.
As the memorial unfolded, prayer sessions were held to reflect on Ruth’s contributions to the hospital and the community. A symbolic tree was planted at the hospital to commemorate her work, particularly her efforts toward establishing a breast cancer unit in Akuapem North. Ruth had been actively advocating for this cause and had even submitted a proposal for funding to the Municipal Assembly. The profound loss felt by her colleagues was articulated by the clinical care coordinator, Dr. Frank Dzifa Kpesenu, who described Ruth’s untimely death as a tragic blow to the hospital staff and the wider community that benefited from her service.
Following the somber vigil, tension within the hospital staff escalated as they expressed dissatisfaction with the Eastern Regional Minister, Seth Kwame Acheampong’s promises regarding improved road safety measures, specifically the construction of speed ramps and pedestrian overpasses. The nurses and hospital staff are now threatened to down tools if tangible actions are not taken to address their concerns. During a prior visit to the hospital amidst staff protests, the Eastern Regional Minister assured them that he would advocate for their demands to be met, but the staff remained unconvinced and vigilant.
Joseph Aboagye, who leads the aggrieved staff and serves as the Systems Administrator of the hospital, expressed the ongoing discontent of the nurses. He indicated that while they acknowledge the efforts made by the highway authority to mark areas for speed ramps, they are adamant in requesting larger “tablet” ramps that are more effective at slowing down traffic compared to smaller strips that drivers might still speed over. The staff demands are centered around ensuring their safety while on duty, emphasizing that the right infrastructure is crucial to prevent further tragedies.
The Eastern Regional branch of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association echoed the staff’s concerns and called for urgent action on safety measures. Isaac Wugyiti, the Eastern Regional Secretary of the association, stated that the safety of healthcare professionals can no longer be compromised. He affirmatively mentioned that they would not hesitate to halt their operations if the government fails to address their requests for speed ramps in the near future, reflecting the dire urgency of their situation.
Overall, the vigil and subsequent responses from the hospital staff highlight the intersection of workplace safety, community health advocacy, and the emotional toll of losing a colleague. Ruth Mamle Nartey’s death has not only triggered a demand for systemic changes in road safety but also galvanized hospital staff to take collective action to ensure that their working environment is safeguarded against preventable accidents.
