The National Chairperson of the Ghana Society of Perioperative Nurses (GHASPON), Vera Asimah Ackah, has expressed deep disappointment over the recently announced nine percent minimum wage increment, describing it as inadequate and unfair to perioperative nurses across the country.
Speaking at the Peri-Operative Nurses Week celebration at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi, Ms. Ackah said the increment does not reflect the sacrifices and vital contributions of perioperative nurses who work tirelessly in surgical theatres, assisting surgeons and ensuring patient safety before, during, and after operations.
“It’s not right, because I believe we deserve better than nine percent,” she said. “We initially fought for a ten percent increase, considering the economic challenges, but hearing that it’s nine percent was disappointing. The government could have done better, especially when it comes to the condition of service for nurses.”
According to her, GHASPON had originally proposed a 20 percent increment but later revised the figure to 10 percent out of consideration for the nation’s economic climate. She argued that the final figure failed to meet even the most modest expectations of healthcare workers.
The Cost of Care and the Price of Dedication
Ms. Ackah lamented the rising cost of perioperative nursing training, which has discouraged many nurses from specializing in the field. The high cost, coupled with low remuneration, she said, has triggered a wave of migration among trained perioperative nurses, who often seek better opportunities abroad.
She appealed for government intervention to make training more affordable and to create incentives that will attract and retain skilled nurses in the profession.
“Many perioperative nurses are leaving because the training is expensive and the pay does not match the risk or effort. We need the government to support the training process and improve our conditions to sustain the workforce,” she noted.
Caring for the Carers
Ms. Ackah also spoke about the physical and emotional toll of working in operating theatres, where nurses face intense pressure and must remain focused for long hours.
“The operating room comes with a lot of stress,” she said. “I encourage perioperative nurses to plan their work carefully to avoid unnecessary pressure. If you feel tired or overwhelmed, take a short break. There are always colleagues who can step in so you can return refreshed and more effective.”
Her advice underscored the importance of mental health and teamwork in ensuring safe surgical practices.
A Call for Teamwork and Discipline
Chairperson for the event, Betenasehemaa Nana Afua Serwaa Opoku-Agyemang, also addressed the gathering, emphasizing that discipline, precision, and teamwork remain the pillars of surgical safety.
“We all need to exercise restraint and professionalism when dealing with critical situations,” she urged. “There may be occasional errors, after all, we are human, but with teamwork, discipline, and proper monitoring, these can be minimized.”
Honouring the Unsung Heroes of Surgery
The Peri-Operative Nurses Week, celebrated globally, serves as a time of reflection, recognition, and advocacy for nurses who work behind the surgical curtains. The celebration at KATH brought together perioperative nurses, medical professionals, and traditional leaders to highlight the profession’s indispensable role in healthcare delivery.
Beyond celebrating their contributions, this year’s event reignited conversations about fair compensation, professional development, and workplace wellness, issues that remain central to ensuring quality surgical care in Ghana.
“Perioperative nurses are the silent force behind every successful surgery,” Ms. Ackah concluded. “If we want to improve surgical outcomes in Ghana, we must first take care of the people who make those surgeries possible.”
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