BY Grace Zigah
The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has intensified calls for the immediate arrest of Ralph Saint Williams and his accomplices, following the recent violent attack on a nurse at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, popularly known as Ridge Hospital.
The incident, which left one nurse injured, has sparked widespread outrage among health professionals, with many describing it as yet another example of the rising insecurity facing frontline workers in the healthcare sector.
According to reports, the suspect, Ralph Saint Williams, and his associates stormed the hospital premises and physically assaulted a nurse, leaving staff in shock and fear.
Police Intervention and GRNMA’s Position
Although the police have confirmed making some initial arrests linked to the case, the GRNMA insists that more must be done to ensure the key suspect and his collaborators are apprehended without delay.
The Association believes that swift justice will not only serve as a deterrent but also help restore the confidence of nurses and other health workers in the security systems within hospital environments.
In a statement, the leadership of the GRNMA emphasized its full commitment to defending the rights and safety of nurses and midwives, noting that their work is already compounded by severe shortages of staff, lack of adequate logistics, and poor working conditions.
The Association assured members that it would pursue the matter to its logical conclusion in line with the Constitution of Ghana, the Labour Act of 2003 (Act 651), and the GRNMA Constitution.
Patient Care and Health System Resilience
The GRNMA further reassured patients that despite the trauma caused by the attack, nursing and midwifery services at Ridge Hospital would not be disrupted.
The Association stressed its role as advocates for patients and vowed to continue pushing for a more resilient health system that guarantees safe and quality care.
It also called on hospital management to provide urgent psychological support for the injured nurse and to enhance training programs for staff to better cope with workplace stress and trauma.
Call for Stronger Security and Public Respect
The leadership urged employers across the health sector to prioritize security within hospitals and clinics, stating that the safety of health workers is critical to delivering quality care.
They pledged to work with hospital authorities to improve security measures while also pressing government to address systemic challenges in the health sector.
Finally, the GRNMA appealed to the public to show greater respect to nurses, midwives, and all health workers, noting that the health system is already burdened with workforce shortages, insufficient equipment, and limited life-saving technology.
The Association stressed that cooperation and understanding from the public are essential to maintaining stability and effective healthcare delivery in the country.
