Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo has long been recognized as a champion for nurses and midwives, advocating for improved working conditions, fair wages, and professional development within Ghana’s healthcare system. As President of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), she has played a pivotal role in shaping labor policies and ensuring that healthcare professionals receive the recognition and support they deserve.
With over 25 years of experience in nursing and more than 15 years in trade unionism, Mrs. Ofori-Ampofo has built a reputation as a principled and results-driven leader. She has served as a Nurse Educator at the Nursing and Midwifery Training College at Korle-Bu, mentoring generations of healthcare professionals. Her academic credentials include a Master of Public Health and a Bachelor of Arts in Nursing with Psychology from the University of Ghana, Legon, along with a Post Graduate Diploma in Education from the University of Cape Coast. Her expertise in pension schemes has also positioned her as a certified Trustee of the National Pensions Regulatory Authority of Ghana.
Beyond Ghana, Mrs. Ofori-Ampofo has held influential positions, including Chairperson of the West African Health Sector Unions Network (WAHSUN) and Ghana PSI National Coordinating Council, advocating for healthcare workers across the region. Her leadership roles on national boards—including the Governing Board of the Nursing and Midwifery Council, Ghana, the Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives, and the Health Sector Occupational Pension Scheme—underscore her commitment to strengthening healthcare governance.
Her influence has extended to global platforms, where she has been a sought-after speaker for organizations such as WHO AFRO, PSI, ICN, Action Aid, and ITCILO, sharing insights on healthcare workforce challenges, policy interventions, and the role of trade unions in securing equitable labor rights. Her dedication to advancing professional dignity and fostering institutional accountability has shaped Ghana’s healthcare landscape, making her an indispensable voice in the field.
However, her leadership has not been without controversy. During the 2025 nationwide strike by nurses and midwives, which was initiated due to the government’s failure to implement the 2024 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), Mrs. Ofori-Ampofo faced criticism for her handling of negotiations. While the strike escalated from symbolic protests to a full withdrawal of services, she reportedly left Ghana during the height of the crisis, raising concerns about her commitment to the cause. This departure fueled speculation about political influences behind the strike, with some critics alleging that her stance differed significantly from her approach under the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration.
Adding to the controversy, there has been strong speculation regarding her husband’s alleged ties to the New Patriotic Party (NPP), leading some Ghanaians to question whether political motivations played a role in the industrial action. The GRNMA, however, has firmly denied any political affiliations, insisting that the strike was purely a labor dispute aimed at securing better conditions for healthcare workers.
Despite the political undertones surrounding the strike, Mrs. Ofori-Ampofo remains a key figure in Ghana’s healthcare sector, with a legacy of advocacy that has shaped labor rights and professional standards for nurses and midwives. Whether her actions during the strike will impact her long-term influence remains to be seen, but her contributions to healthcare governance and workforce development remain undeniable.
Retired Senior Citizen
Teshie-Nungua
[email protected]
