Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association has raised concerns over the persistent underrepresentation of women in leadership within the health sector, despite their overwhelming presence in the workforce.
Speaking at a regional seminar in Tamale to mark International Women’s Day 2026, Northern Regional Chairman Alhassan Abukari stressed that empowering women, particularly nurses and midwives, to take up leadership roles is critical to improving healthcare delivery in Ghana.
He noted that while women make up the majority of the nursing and midwifery profession, their influence in decision-making spaces remains limited. He urged practitioners to embrace mentorship, collaboration and knowledge sharing as tools to bridge the gap and strengthen the sector.
Northern Regional Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Jemila Mohammed reinforced the concern, citing global data that shows women account for about 70 per cent of the health workforce but hold only a fraction of leadership positions. She highlighted ongoing inequalities in pay, access to opportunities and career progression.
Also addressing the event, Fadila Fuseini, Founder of Tiyumba Hope Foundation, called for increased investment in the welfare of nurses and midwives, including better working conditions and professional development. Participants agreed that closing the leadership gap would not only benefit the profession but also strengthen healthcare systems and community outcomes nationwide.
