Senior lecturer at Kumasi Technical University (KsTU), Dr. Solomon Forkuo-KwartengA senior lecturer at Kumasi Technical University (KsTU), Dr. Solomon Forkuo-Kwarteng, has urged the government to urgently address the poor conditions of service for nurses and midwives, warning that “patriotism without reward is slavery.”
Dr. Forkuo-Kwarteng, who also heads the university’s Entrepreneurship Village and Incubation Centre, expressed concern that expecting nurses to continue working under inadequate compensation will ultimately undermine productivity and morale in the health sector.
Speaking on OTEC 102.9 FM’s Nyansapo morning show on Thursday, June 12, 2025, hosted by Kwaku Owusu Boateng (KOA), the lecturer stressed that nurses deserve fair and adequate remuneration for their commitment and the essential services they provide.
“Nurses should be fairly rewarded for their hard work and dedication,” he said, adding that the government has no justification for failing to motivate healthcare professionals, especially those on the front lines of patient care.
He also called on successive governments to consistently prioritize the welfare of healthcare workers, stating that their contribution to national development cannot be underestimated.
Dr. Forkuo-Kwarteng’s remarks come amid an ongoing nationwide strike by nurses and midwives, who are demanding better pay and improved working conditions. The industrial action has significantly disrupted healthcare delivery, leaving many patients unattended.
The Ghana Nurses and Midwives Association has maintained that the strike will continue until their concerns are fully addressed. Meanwhile, the government is yet to announce any definitive steps to resolve the impasse, creating uncertainty and growing public anxiety over the prolonged disruption in health services.
