The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has apologised to the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, following sharp criticisms that questioned his competence to head the ministry.
The apology comes in the wake of a viral video showing relatives of a patient assaulting health workers at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital’s emergency unit — an incident that triggered nationwide outrage.
In reacting to the development, GRNMA’s General Secretary, Dr. David Tenkorang-Twum made controversial remarks suggesting that the Minister’s background as a farmer made him unfit to manage the complex demands of the health sector.
Led by President Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo and Dr. Tenkorang-Twum, the leadership of the association met the Minister behind closed doors on Wednesday to render the apology.
The meeting, described as cordial, ended with both sides resolving to work more collaboratively to address the challenges confronting the health sector.
Those comments drew sharp condemnation from professional bodies, civil society groups, and the Ghana National Association of Farmers and Fishermen (GNAFF), which described the statement as “disrespectful and unprofessional.”
Many also argued that the remarks undermined the urgent need for unity in tackling systemic issues facing healthcare delivery.
The GRNMA has since moved to distance itself from the comments, stressing that while it remains committed to protecting the safety and welfare of nurses and midwives across the country, it regrets the unintended offence caused to the Minister and the farming community.
The Association further reiterated its call for stronger security measures at health facilities to ensure that health professionals can work without fear of intimidation or assault.
