The First Vice President of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association, Mr Samuel Alagkora Akolgo, has strongly condemned reports that some ward managers are demanding money from nursing students before signing their clinical logbooks, describing the practice as unethical and disgraceful.
Speaking at a seminar in Pusu-Namongo to mark International Women’s Day, Mr Akolgo said the alleged conduct was tarnishing the image of the nursing profession and placing unnecessary financial pressure on students.
Mr Akolgo, who is also a veteran anaesthetist and legal counsel for the Ghana Health Service in the Northern Sector, described the practice as a “disease” that must be stopped immediately.
He expressed disappointment that some senior nurses, who once benefited from better conditions during their own training, were now exploiting students who were already facing financial hardship.
“That is the lowest you should go as a nurse manager. If you are one of those charging students or you are contemplating doing it, please, don’t. You are disgracing yourself,” he said.
He recalled that previous generations of nursing trainees received allowances that provided financial stability, unlike today’s students who are grappling with rising living costs.
According to him, senior professionals should be supporting young trainees rather than taking advantage of them.
“You are now using the great privilege God offered us in those days to milk innocent students,” he added.
Beyond the issue of extortion, Mr Akolgo also warned nurse and midwifery managers against intimidating or harassing junior staff.
He urged leaders in the profession to create supportive work environments where junior officers feel comfortable seeking guidance.
“Please, do not use your position to molest the junior ones. Let them feel comfortable coming to you, rather than going to the Health Service Administrator,” he advised.
The seminar, held in the Talensi District, brought together members of GRNMA and other stakeholders under the theme: “Give to Gain: The Role of Giving in Fostering Gender Equality Leading to Collective Advancement Where When Women Thrive, We All Rise.”
Participants discussed key issues affecting nursing and midwifery development in the Upper East Region, with a strong focus on mentorship, ethical leadership and professional growth.
