The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) successfully launched and celebrated the 2026 International Nurses Day at the GRNMA National Secretariat, Shiashie, Accra, on Tuesday, 12th May 2026.
The event brought together distinguished personalities from the health sector, government institutions, academia, and nursing leadership to commemorate the invaluable contribution of nurses and midwives to healthcare delivery in Ghana and across the world. The celebration was held under the global theme: “Our Nurses, Our Future – Empowered Nurses Save Lives.”
The President of GRNMA, Mrs. Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, welcomed participants and reiterated the Association’s commitment to advocating for the welfare, professional growth, and recognition of nurses and midwives across the country. She urged nurses to continue upholding professionalism, compassion, and excellence in healthcare delivery.
Highlights from the Celebration
Prof. Florence Naab, Dean of the University of Ghana School of Nursing & Midwifery, delivered a thought-provoking keynote address on strengthening nursing education, leadership, and advanced practice pathways. She emphasized the critical role of empowering nurses through continuous professional development, improved working conditions, and strategic investment in the nursing workforce. Prof. Naab noted that strengthening the nursing profession remains essential to achieving quality healthcare outcomes and universal health coverage.
Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, emphasized safer workplaces, stronger clinical leadership, and investment in health infrastructure to support quality healthcare delivery.
Alhaji Dawuda Ibrahim Braimah, Chief Labour Officer, underscored the importance of fair labour practices, transparent engagement, and improved retention structures for nurses and midwives.
Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, Deputy Minister for Health and MP for Essikado-Ketan, acknowledged the immense sacrifices and unwavering dedication of Ghana’s nursing workforce while reaffirming government’s commitment to improved conditions of service, career progression, and expanded training opportunities.
Dr. Fiona Braka, World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative to Ghana, highlighted the global significance of nursing leadership and workforce development in improving public health outcomes. She praised Ghanaian nurses for their commitment to patient care and emergency response services.
Chairing the event was Hon. Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Select Committee for Health, who applauded nurses and midwives for their unwavering service to humanity and encouraged stronger collaboration among stakeholders within the health sector.
The event featured professional discussions and reflections on the future of nursing and midwifery in Ghana. Participants also used the occasion to celebrate the achievements and contributions of nurses and midwives who continue to play a vital role in safeguarding lives and promoting health in communities nationwide.
The successful celebration reinforced the importance of investing in nurses and midwives as key pillars of an effective and resilient healthcare system.
Recognition of 14 Specialised Nursing and Midwifery Societies
During the International Nurses Day 2026 celebrations, GRNMA officially recognised 14 specialised nursing and midwifery societies, marking a significant step in advancing specialised healthcare practice in Ghana. The recognition ceremony highlighted GRNMA’s commitment to professionalism, leadership, unity, and continuous development within the nursing and midwifery profession.
Speaking at the event, GRNMA President, Mrs. Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, explained that the bodies previously known as “groups” have now been renamed “societies” to align with international professional standards, with certificates presented to reflect their new official status and constitutional identities.
The recognised Societies include:
- Critical Care Nurses Society
- Preventive Health Nurses Society
- Mental Health Society
- Ear, Nose and Throat Nurses Society
- Emergency Nurses Society
- General Nurses Society
- Ophthalmic Nurses Society
- Perioperative Nurses Society
- Midwives Society
- Nurse and Midwives Educators Society
- Nurses and Midwives Specialists Society
- Nurse Practitioners Society
- Pediatric Nurses Society
- Physicians Assistants and Certified Registered Anesthetists Society
Mrs. Ofori-Ampofo commended the Societies for their invaluable contributions to healthcare delivery, professional development, and active participation within the GRNMA structure. She emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration in strengthening the Association and improving healthcare outcomes nationwide.
The recognition ceremony was widely described as a historic milestone for specialised nursing and midwifery practice in Ghana and is expected to promote stronger advocacy, mentorship, research, and continuous professional development among nurses and midwives across the country.
Rally Round the Lamp Ceremony
Selected nurses and midwives participated in the symbolic “Rally Round the Lamp” ceremony, a cherished nursing tradition observed worldwide in honour of Florence Nightingale, the “Lady with the Lamp.” The glowing ceremony beautifully represented care, sacrifice, knowledge, and professional commitment, while symbolizing the transfer of responsibility, compassion, and dedication from one generation of nurses to another.
Participants from various specialised fields, including orthopedics, pediatrics, public health, critical care, obstetrics, nephrology, academia, and nursing administration, proudly represented the diversity and strength of the profession.
As the lamps illuminated the gathering, nurses and midwives reaffirmed their commitment to the ethical values and compassionate service that define the profession. The ceremony served as a moving tribute to the enduring legacy of Florence Nightingale and to every nurse and midwife whose service continues to bring healing, comfort, and hope to communities across Ghana.
The event strongly reflected the 2026 International Nurses Day theme: “Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives.”
GRNMA extends gratitude to all participants, speakers, and stakeholders who made the International Nurses Day 2026 celebration a resounding success.
#GRNMAIND2026
#OurNursesOurFuture
#EmpoweredNursesSaveLives
#RallyRoundTheLamp
#GRNMA