The Deputy Director of Health Services in charge of clinical care in the Upper West Region, Abarry Tahiru Mohammed, has bemoaned the lack of support systems for health workers facing critical illnesses, indicating that many are left to struggle without assistance.
Speaking on behalf of the Director of Health Services at a durbar held by Union of Professional Nurses and Midwives Ghana (UPNMG) on April 14, 2026, Mr Mohammed revealed that several health workers, including those battling breast cancer, have approached the health directorate in search of financial support but received little to no help.
The durbar was held on the theme, “Who cares for the caregiver: The plight of the Ghanaian nurse,” where the deputy director described the situation as troubling and called for urgent attention to the welfare of caregivers.
He emphasised the need for health workers to prioritise their own wellbeing by reflecting on their working and living conditions, and by preparing for unforeseen challenges. He further noted that the health workforce, given its strength in numbers, must begin to mobilise internally to advocate for its own welfare and support systems.
“For those who are out looking for money because of breast cancer. Several have passed through our offices. No help anywhere. And so when I started asking who cares for the health worker, I said nobody. And so to me, it is time. It is time that we should start thinking about ourselves. We should start thinking of how we work. We should start thinking of how we live,” he emphasized.
The National President of the Union of Professional Nurses and Midwives Ghana (UPNMG), Maxwell Oduro Yeboah, called for urgent and renewed policy commitment to safeguard the welfare and wellbeing of health workers, stressing that support for caregivers is essential to delivering quality healthcare.
Mr Yeboah highlighted the growing psychological and professional challenges confronting nurses and midwives across the country. He underscored that beyond physical demands, many health workers are battling mental health conditions, workplace bullying, and systemic issues such as delayed promotions.
“We need psychological support. Delayed promotions, workplace bullying, and, in some settings, mental health ailments are real burdens that nurses and midwives carry.” He added that these concerns are often overlooked despite their significant impact on performance and overall healthcare outcomes.
Drawing a direct link between health worker wellbeing and patient outcomes, the UPNMG President noted that “a motivated and protected health worker produces better outcomes than an exhausted and neglected one.” He warned that failure to address these concerns could undermine the effectiveness of the entire health system.
The Upper West Regional Minister, Charles Lwanga Puozuing acknowledged nurses’ dedication but raised concerns about lapses in professionalism, including indiscipline and lack of empathy, which harm public trust.
He stressed that caregiver welfare requires both government support and a renewed commitment by health workers to uphold ethical standards, accountability, and excellence.
