A file photo of some nurses demonstrating
A leading member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Pro-Forum for Nurses and Midwives, Akugri Gadafi Avokbil, has expressed deep concern over what he describes as the neglect of dedicated health professionals who campaigned tirelessly for the party’s return to power in the 2024 general elections.
In a statement issued on June 1, 2025, Avokbil, who serves as the Ashanti Regional Operations Director of the NDC Pro-Forum for Nurses and Midwives and a constituency executive for Obuasi East, stated that the morale of nurses and midwives within the party has significantly declined due to the lack of appointments and recognition following the electoral victory of John Dramani Mahama.
“The failure to reward hardworking NDC nurses and midwives with appointments is currently dampening their morale. If not addressed, this situation could negatively affect their contributions in future elections,” he warned.
Avokbil recalled that the first-ever NDC Nurses’ Professional Forum was launched on March 8, 2024, in Techiman, with support from party stalwart Prof. Danso Boafo.
He explained that the forum, established using members’ own resources, played a crucial role in the campaign. Its members organized health screening exercises, served as polling agents, and worked as internal collation officers on election day.
Despite these contributions, he lamented that fewer than five nurses nationwide have received appointments in the current NDC government—even though nurses and midwives constitute approximately 70% of the total health workforce.
Further expressing his dissatisfaction, Avokbil criticized the recent appointment of a medical doctor, Dr. Thomas Anaba, as Chair of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)—a position he believes should be held by a qualified nurse or midwife.
“Is the government saying that not a single qualified NDC nurse was available to chair the NMC, so they decided to appoint my brother and friend, Dr. Thomas Anaba, who is not a nurse? I beg to differ,” he stated.
He also reminded the party of the critical role the Pro-Forum played in countering misinformation from the then-ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) during the campaign—particularly around trainee nurses’ postings and allowances.
As a former Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Nurses and Midwives Trainees Association (GNMTA), Avokbil recalled publicly challenging statements made by then-Health Minister Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye at the Teshie Nursing Training College.
“We used our voices, articles, and social media platforms to protect JM’s image and expose the propaganda in the days leading up to the elections,” he noted.
Avokbil has therefore appealed to the NDC government and appointing authorities to reconsider what he described as a “sad but amendable development,” and to ensure that nurses and midwives who supported the party’s return to power are not left behind.
“The NDC must not forget the sacrifices made by its health professionals. Recognition and representation matter—especially when loyalty has been demonstrated through action,” he concluded.
KA