UER: UPNMG Upper East Regional Leadership Hosts Historic Maiden Durbar

BY: GIDEON K. ADU

The Upper East Regional leadership of the Union of Professional Nurses and Midwives, Ghana (UPNMG), has successfully organized its maiden durbar since coming under the umbrella of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) five years ago. The event, themed “Delivering Critical Healthcare Amidst Security Crises and Acute Shortage of Nurses and Midwives: The Role of Stakeholders,” set the pace for the union’s activities in the country. The durbar brought together nurses, midwives, health administrators and policymakers to deliberate on the pressing challenges facing healthcare delivery in the Upper East Region. Discussions highlighted the acute shortage of health professionals, the strain of insecurity in border communities, and the resilience of frontline workers who continue to provide essential services despite difficult conditions.

Regional President, Hon. Apandango  Mahamadu Musah expressed pride in the union’s progress under the TUC umbrella and highlighted the significance of the maiden durbar as a turning point for the region. He noted that the event was not only a platform for dialogue but also a demonstration of the union’s resolve to champion the welfare of nurses and midwives. He called on members to remain united, proactive, and professional, stressing that their collective strength is key to overcoming challenges and shaping the future of healthcare in the Upper East Region.

He again made a strong appeal to government to urgently address the acute shortage of nurses and midwives in the Upper East Region. He stressed that without adequate staffing, the delivery of critical healthcare services will remain under severe strain, especially in border communities affected by insecurity. He called for increased recruitment, equitable distribution of health professionals, and improved incentives to retain staff in rural and hard-to-reach areas.

He further urged government to prioritize investment in health infrastructure and provide the necessary logistical support to enable nurses and midwives to perform their duties effectively. “Our members are committed to serving, but they cannot do so without the right tools, security, and recognition,” he emphasized, adding that the union stands ready to collaborate with authorities to find lasting solutions.

The Regional Minister, Hon. Atanga  Donatus Akamugri in his address, commended the UPNMG Upper East leadership for organizing the maiden durbar, describing it as a bold step in setting the pace for the union’s future engagements. He emphasized government’s recognition of the vital role nurses and midwives play in the region’s healthcare system and pledged continued support to improve working conditions, expand training opportunities, and enhance security in vulnerable communities. He further urged stakeholders to work hand in hand with the union, stressing that healthcare delivery is a shared responsibility that requires collaboration between government, unions, traditional authorities, and the wider community. The Minister assured participants that the concerns raised during the durbar would be taken into consideration in policy discussions at the regional level.

The National President  H.E. Mr. Maxwell Oduro Yeboah in his address commended the Upper East Regional leadership for setting the pace with their maiden durbar. He emphasized that the union’s inclusion under the TUC umbrella just five years ago has strengthened its advocacy power and given nurses and midwives a stronger collective voice. He noted that the challenges of insecurity and staffing shortages require urgent, coordinated action from all stakeholders, and reaffirmed the union’s commitment to working with government, local authorities, and development partners to improve healthcare delivery. He further encouraged members to remain united and proactive, stressing that the union’s strength lies in its solidarity and ability to engage constructively with policymakers.

The Chairperson of the durbar, Hon. Damata Bukari lauded the initiative of the regional leadership, describing the event as a landmark in the union’s journey. She underscored the importance of unity and collaboration, stressing that the challenges confronting healthcare in the region cannot be solved by health workers alone. She called on government, traditional authorities, and community leaders to play their part in ensuring that nurses and midwives are adequately supported to deliver quality care. She further urged members of the union to remain steadfast, professional, and innovative in their service, reminding them that their dedication is the backbone of healthcare delivery in the Upper East Region.

The Deputy Director of  Human Resource  of Health in the Region, Mr. Kelvin F. Tengekyebe  praised the union for its proactive step in convening such a durbar. He acknowledged the critical role nurses and midwives play in sustaining healthcare delivery, especially in underserved and insecure communities. He assured participants that the Ghana Health Service remains committed to working closely with UPNMG and other stakeholders to address staffing shortages, improve resource allocation, and strengthen security measures where needed. He further encouraged nurses and midwives to continue demonstrating professionalism and resilience, noting that their dedication is central to the region’s ability to deliver quality healthcare amidst challenges.

By hosting this maiden durbar, the Upper East Regional leadership of UPNMG has set a strong precedent for advocacy and partnership, reinforcing the union’s commitment to advancing healthcare and worker welfare within the TUC framework.