Ghana Medical Association calls for cancellation of certificate, diploma nursing courses

A proposal from the Ghana Medical Association has suggested to the government of Ghana that it should begin the cancellation of certificate and diploma nursing courses.

The main goal of this move is to elevate all nursing courses to degree level and also address challenges in Ghana’s healthcare sector by ensuring a more qualified and professional nursing workforce that meet the ever evolving demand of quality health workers.

The Vice President of the Ghana Medical Association, Prof. Ernest Yorke, on Wednesday disclosed this intentions in an interview with Joy News’ PM Express, tagging the status-quo as bizarre.

Prof. Ernest Yorke highlighted the perplexity of having 3 various levels of entry into the nursing and midwifery profession, he also stressed on the current dominance of auxiliary nurses who form 60% of the healthcare work force.

“We think that the majority must be degree-prepared,” Yorke suggested, stressing the need for a more skilled nursing population.

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Prof Yorke stated, “We have to cancel certificate programs, we have to cancel diploma programs, and train nurses and midwives at the degree level.”

In Nigeria, all nurses and midwives are required to hold a first degree. Drawing comparison, Prof. Ernest Yorke argued that Ghana has everything it takes to also amend its educational systems and institutions to implement similar standards ensuring a good workforce.

“We have the human resources and the schools so we can do that,” he affirmed.

He elaborated that the dominance of auxiliary nurses, who make up about 60% of the the healthcare workforce, needs to be addressed by enhancing their educational qualifications.

“The diploma and degree-trained nurses and midwives are professional nurses,” he noted.

Training all nurses at the degree level, Yorke believes will significantly improve maternal healthcare, supported by research on the effectiveness of a highly skilled nursing workforce.

He reassured that current certificate and diploma holders would not be left behind.

“If we cancel the training of diploma and certificate, we can upgrade the knowledge of those who are here,” Yorke explained.

He mentioned that there are already courses available to help nurses and midwives upgrade their skills to the degree level.

The Association’s proposal to the government represents a bold move towards raising the standards of nursing education in Ghana, aiming to create a more competent and professional workforce for the country Ghana.

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