The Ghana Registered Midwives Association (GRMA) has hailed midwives working in conflict-affected and high-risk areas as true heroes for their unwavering commitment to delivering maternal and newborn care under extreme conditions.

Speaking at the launch of the 2025 International Day of the Midwife in Takoradi, GRMA President Netta Ackon praised the resilience of midwives serving displaced populations, refugee mothers, and rural communities, particularly in regions impacted by violence and migration challenges.

Celebrated under the theme “Midwife, Critical in Every Crisis,” the event recognised 23 individuals and organisations for their outstanding contributions to maternal and child healthcare across the country.

“Midwives working in conflict zones are heroes,” Mrs Ackon said. “Their ability to provide quality healthcare under pressure, often with limited resources, underscores their dedication to safe childbirth no matter the circumstances.”

She highlighted how midwives have extended their reach through collaboration with humanitarian agencies, ensuring that vulnerable women — including those in refugee camps and temporary shelters — are not left behind.

Rural and Emergency Care

Mrs Ackon also noted that in rural Ghana, midwives often serve as the first point of contact for pregnant women. They conduct home deliveries, train community health workers, and equip traditional birth attendants with life-saving skills. She recalled the Bagre Dam spillage in northern Ghana, where midwives braved harsh conditions to provide emergency care to displaced pregnant women.

She further commended midwives for their critical roles during health emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Ebola, cholera, and malaria outbreaks, saying they continued to deliver antenatal and postnatal care despite lockdowns, infection risks, and operational challenges.

She raised concern over the ongoing conflict in Bawku, which has imposed curfews that hinder access to healthcare. “Midwives are forced to risk their lives, travelling outside of curfew hours to ensure mothers get life-saving support,” she said.

Call to Action

Mrs Ackon appealed to government, health institutions, and global partners to increase investment in midwifery by:

• Enhancing basic and specialised midwifery training,

• Supporting workforce development,

• Integrating midwives into national emergency preparedness plans,

• And ensuring access to protective equipment in crisis situations.

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Delivering a speech on behalf of former First Lady Lordina Mahama, Dr Selorm Quaicoe of the Lordina Mahama Foundation reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to supporting women’s health, particularly in rural areas. She said midwives play a vital role in Ghana’s health system and must be empowered to serve more effectively.

“The foundation is ready to partner with health stakeholders to train midwives nationwide,” she added, commending the awardees and encouraging them to uphold professionalism in their work.

Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson lauded midwifery as a divine calling that serves both humanity and God. He also thanked the Lordina Foundation for its sustained support for maternal and child health.

The event concluded with a renewed call to prioritise midwifery in national healthcare planning and to recognise the courageous work of midwives operating in the country’s most difficult environments.

Credit: Graphic Online