GRNMA Leaders Unprofessional, Says Vanderpuye
The National Coordinator of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), Nii Lante Vanderpuye, has urged the General Secretary of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA). He wants Dr. David Tenkorang Twum to change his focus. The association should, in fact, address welfare and structural challenges. They should not escalate the Ridge Hospital assault controversy. Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Thursday, August 28, Mr. Vanderpuye said the leadership of the GRNMA worsened the debate. Their manner of addressing the issue caused problems. He described their comments as “horribly unprofessional.” This proves that GRNMA leaders unprofessional actions are a concern.
He cautioned that such conduct undermines the collective interest of members. “I think that the GRNMA has escalated the whole discussion,” he said. “The way and manner the president and the secretary spoke is horribly unprofessional. As a professional heading an association, when you speak that way, you put yourself above the interests of the association,” he said.
Mr. Vanderpuye advised Dr. Tenkorang and other executives. They should step aside from the controversy. Instead, they should use the incident as a basis to demand improved conditions of service. Furthermore, they should push for stronger protection for nurses and midwives across the country. His comments, for instance, come in the wake of a report released by a committee. The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, established the committee.
The committee, chaired by Dr. Lawrence Ofori-Boad, presented its findings. Doctors found no medical evidence to support a nurse’s claims. Rotation nurse Rejoice Tsotso Bortei had claimed a shoulder dislocation. The incident happened on August 18. The report indicated that while the nurse reported injuries after the incident, medical examinations showed no dislocation or fracture. Doctors diagnosed her with contusions. She received pain relief, advice to rest and was also placed under psychological support care.
The findings contradicted earlier claims of severe injury. They followed a viral video of the incident. The footage showed relatives of a patient clashing with staff. The footage sparked public concern about the safety of health workers. It also triggered widespread condemnation. Health Minister Mintah Akandoh has since called for calm. He assures a safe and supportive working environment for healthcare professionals. This response shows that GRNMA leaders unprofessional handling of the situation created more tension.
