Ghana’s midwifery profession is facing a severe shortage, with practitioners calling for urgent action to recruit and retain more midwives to protect maternal and newborn health.
The call came as midwives marked International Day of the Midwife under the global theme “One Million More Midwives.”
Speaking at an event, the head of midwifery and Ag. Head of midwifery, Mrs. Shirley Boateng Gyasi, said the country’s current numbers are insufficient to meet delivery demands across hospitals, polyclinics, and CHPS compounds.
“We’ve realized there’s a very big gap within our midwifery profession. We need more midwives,” she said.
“The more midwives we have, the more it will enhance our productivity, and then it will bring a very great plus to individuals, homes, and Ghana as a country.”
The shortage has been worsened by an exodus of trained midwives leaving for opportunities abroad.
According to the head of midwifery, some professionals leave CHPS compounds and other facilities in search of better pay and working conditions.
“They’ve gone out to seek greener pastures because they feel the salary is better out there,” she explained, describing the trend as “a very big blow” to the health system.
Poor conditions of service were cited as the main driver of the departures.
Midwives said salaries in Ghana fall far short of those offered abroad, making it difficult for young practitioners to build stable futures.
“When you consider the salary scale we have here and compare it to those working outside, the difference is so great,” she said, urging the government to improve pay and incentives to encourage midwives to stay and serve locally.
The leadership also highlighted deteriorating infrastructure as a pressing concern.
The head of midwifery said promised upgrades to midwifery facilities have not materialized for five to six years, leaving staff working in unsafe and unconducive environments.
“Even the environment is not conducive. The whole building is breaking. We work there today, the glass comes down; tomorrow it is part of the wall,” she cried out.
The Korley-Bu Teaching Hospital Ag. The Head of Midwifery warned that failing to retain midwives poses a direct threat to Ghana’s economy and health outcomes.
“When the nation trains midwives, and then they leave, you train, and you don’t benefit,” she noted.
She called on the government to prioritize salary upgrades, incentives, and facility upgrades to make midwifery a sustainable career and ensure communities have access to skilled care.
By Prosper Kwaku Selassy Agbitor
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