Miriam Bonah named 2024 Best Nurse/Midwife

A community health nurse and midwife from the Tamale Regional Hospital, Miriam Bonah, has been crowned the 2024 National Best Nurse /Midwife by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA).

Mrs Bonah, who was honoured for her over 19 years’ of work in maternal and child health across the Northern Region, took home a brand new Toyota Belta saloon at the Fifth Annual Dinner and Awards Night in Accra last Friday.

The first runner-up went to Eric Abugre from the Upper East Region, who took home GH¢50,000, while the second runner-up went to a nursing officer from the Eastern Region, Edmund Duodu Atweri, who took home GH¢40,000.

More than 40 nurses and midwives from across the country were recognised for their contribution to healthcare delivery at their respective health facilities.

The President of the GRNMA, Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, congratulated the awardees on their contribution to the health sector and advised them to continue to perform their duties diligently.

She further urged the awardees to use the platform to serve as a motivation for nurses and midwives to continue to serve as role models for colleagues and interns in the profession. 

Backbone

The Director of Policy Planning Monitoring and Evaluation at the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations (MELR), Gloria Noi Borteley, described nurses and midwives as the backbone of the country’s healthcare system.

She said as the country strove to attain Universal Health Coverage, their role had become more essential.

As a result, she said the ministry would remain committed to improving the working conditions of nurses and midwives by offering capacity-building and enhanced professional development.

That, she said, would help to equip them with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in an evolving healthcare system.

She further urged them to renew their commitment to excellence and to strive to achieve greater heights, adding, “I am confident that the contribution of nurses and midwives will extend beyond the confines of hospital and clinics. you are central to our community health initiative, public health advocacy and the education of future generations on essential health issues”.

The Paramount Chief of Abola Traditional Area in the Greater Accra Region, Nii Ahene Nunoo III, commended the unwavering commitment, compassion and expertise of nurses and midwives, adding that they were vital for improving health outcomes across the nation.

Despite their essential roles, he expressed concern over the financial constraints and societal undervaluation that many of them encountered.

He, therefore, underscored the need to invest in the education and growth of nurses and midwives to help them thrive in the ever-changing world of work.

Nii Nunoo III further called for advocacy policies that ensured fair compensation and improved working conditions for these professionals.

The chief expressed confidence in the GRNMA’s commitment to the welfare of its members and encouraged the awardees to use their recognition as a platform to inspire others.

“Be an inspiration to others by sharing your journey and encouraging your peers to strive for excellence.

“Use this award to advocate the profession by promoting the importance of nursing and advocate the necessary changes in the healthcare system,” he said.

Source: Justice Agbenorsi