The new license verification fee that was passed by Parliament and put in place by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has been turned down by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA).
The new charge 400% more than the previous one, according to a statement issued by the Association on March 11.
“Before 8th March 2024, the amount a nurse or midwife had to pay for this service was GH¢550. It is therefore highly unacceptable to have this fee increased to GH¢3000, which is a 445% increment from the previous amount,” the statement reads in parts.
It further noted that “if the huge increment in the verification fee is an attempt to curtail the emigration of nurses and midwives, then we find it unfortunate.”
The Association stressed that the government should not make the life of nurses and midwives in Ghana very difficult, but rather implement regulations that guarantee they are provided better working circumstances than their colleagues in other jurisdictions.
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“Migration is the right of every worker and as a nation, we must avert our minds to the reasons why these professionals are emigrating to the high-income earning countries rather than institute policies that make the life of the worker more unbearable.”
The Association, meanwhile, has asked its members to disregard the increased costs and has pleaded with lawmakers to step in.
“The Parliament of Ghana, as a matter of urgency and consideration for the plight of Ghanaian nurses and midwives, should look into this matter and revert to the old fees. If indeed any such increment must happen, we wish to humbly inform Parliament that we the nurses and midwives of Ghana can accommodate a maximum of 25% increment.
“All nurses and midwives are advised not to pay the new verification fee of GHC3,000 and are further advised to hold themselves in readiness for any action that the leadership will deem fit in the event where this matter is not resolved amicably,” it concluded.
Read the full statement below:
