–BY Nadia Ntiamoah
The Community Health Nurses Association of Ghana (CoHNAG) has issued a passionate call to the Ghana Health Service (GHS) for urgent reforms to improve their working conditions and welfare, warning that continued neglect could undermine Ghana’s universal health coverage ambitions.
At the center of this appeal was at the association’s National Special Delegates Conference, held in Sunyani, Bono Region, under the theme: “Welfare and Condition of the Community Health Nurse in the CHPS Programme: Achieving Quality Universal Health Coverage.”
The conference brought together hundreds of frontline health workers who form the backbone of the Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) programme—Ghana’s key strategy for delivering primary healthcare in rural and underserved areas.
A Broken System
Addressing participants, CoHNAG National President Esther Frimpomaa Bamfo painted a grim picture of the challenges faced by community health nurses, citing delayed promotions, lack of essential logistics, poor accommodation, and overall disregard by the health establishment.
In an emotionally charged statement, Bamfo accused the Ghana Health Service of abandoning its own personnel in times of need.
“When my people fall sick, the Ghana Health Service turns its back on them. When they suffer accidents in the line of duty, they are left to fend for themselves,” she said.
“It is painful to see people who serve the nation with such dedication treated this way.”
Her comments underscore the growing frustration among health professionals in Ghana’s rural healthcare sector, many of whom are posted to remote communities under the CHPS programme without adequate tools or support.
Stakeholder Response and Promises
In response to the concerns, Dr. Prince Quarshie, Deputy Director of Public Health for the Bono Region, acknowledged the sacrifices of the nurses and pledged that the GHS was working on practical measures to address the issues raised.
These include plans to enhance incentive packages, improve resource allocation, and ensure a better working environment.
“You are vital to achieving Ghana’s universal health coverage goals,” Dr. Quarshie said.
“We are committed to taking actionable steps that reflect the value of your work.”
