A court has convicted and sentenced a man for assaulting a senior staff midwife at the Tema Community 22 Polyclinic, bringing to a close a case that sparked widespread condemnation from healthcare professionals, unions, and the Ministry of Health and reignited concerns over the safety of health workers in Ghana.
The judgment follows an incident on June 2, 2026, when the midwife was allegedly assaulted by a patient’s relative while carrying out her official duties and enforcing the facility’s visiting hours policy.
According to the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association, Greater Accra Region (GRNMA-GAR), the court found the accused guilty and imposed a series of sanctions aimed at both punishment and deterrence.
Under the ruling, the convict is to pay a fine of 100 penalty units, equivalent to GH¢1,200, to the State. The court also ordered him to sign a bond of good behaviour, requiring him to conduct himself lawfully and peacefully in future.
Additionally, the court barred the convict from accessing Tema Community 22 Polyclinic and its associated facilities for 12 months from the date of judgment.
In a significant aspect of the ruling, the court ordered the convict to pay GH¢5,000 in compensation to the assaulted midwife in recognition of the harm, trauma and indignity she suffered as a result of the attack.
The judgment was delivered in accordance with Section 148(2) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 30).
Incident Sparked National Outrage
The assault attracted national attention after reports emerged that the healthcare worker had been attacked while enforcing hospital regulations regarding visiting hours.
The incident drew swift condemnation from professional nursing bodies, healthcare workers, and government officials, who described the attack as unacceptable and a threat to the safety of frontline medical personnel.
Shortly after the incident, the Union of Professional Nurses and Midwives, Ghana (UPNMG) strongly denounced the assault, arguing that no healthcare worker should be subjected to violence, intimidation, threats or abuse while performing lawful duties.
The union warned that attacks on healthcare workers not only endanger staff but can also undermine healthcare delivery and affect patient care.
The organisation also called on health authorities to strengthen security arrangements at hospitals and clinics nationwide through improved access control systems, adequate security personnel and emergency response mechanisms.
Ministry of Health Intervenes
The case also prompted intervention from the Ministry of Health, which dispatched a six-member delegation to visit the assaulted midwife on behalf of Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh.
The delegation included senior officials from the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service, who conveyed the minister’s solidarity and assured the victim of government support throughout the legal process.
In a statement issued after the visit, the Ministry strongly condemned all forms of violence against health workers and stressed that healthcare facilities must remain safe environments for both staff and patients.
The Ministry noted that violence, intimidation and abuse against healthcare professionals are unacceptable and warned that such actions disrupt the delivery of essential healthcare services.
Association Welcomes Verdict
Reacting to the court’s decision, the GRNMA-GAR welcomed the judgment and praised the assaulted midwife for pursuing justice despite the ordeal.
“We commend the courage of our colleague midwife for standing up and pursuing justice,” the association said in a statement issued on Tuesday.
The association also acknowledged the contributions of key institutions involved in the case, including legal counsel, the Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service, hospital management, the Ghana Police Service and the judiciary.
“We equally commend all stakeholders—legal counsel, the Regional Director of GHS, the Hospital Management, the Ghana Police Service, and the judiciary—for their role in ensuring that this matter was not swept under the rug,” the statement said.
Growing Concern Over Violence Against Health Workers
The conviction comes amid growing concerns among healthcare professionals over incidents of verbal abuse, threats and physical attacks directed at nurses, midwives and other medical personnel across the country.
Professional bodies have repeatedly called for stronger protections for health workers, arguing that workplace violence negatively affects staff morale, service delivery and patient outcomes.
The GRNMA-GAR said the ruling sends a strong signal that assaults on healthcare workers will not be tolerated and pledged to continue advocating for the safety and dignity of nurses and midwives.
“We remain committed to the safety, dignity and welfare of every nurse and midwife across the Greater Accra Region and beyond. GRNMA-GAR will continue to pursue, support and advocate for justice in every case of workplace violence against our members without compromise,” the association stated.
The ruling effectively closes one of the most closely watched recent cases involving violence against a healthcare worker and is expected to strengthen calls for enhanced security measures across health facilities nationwide.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
