GRNMA Condemns Alleged Extortion of Student Nurses Over Logbook Signatures

The First Vice President of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), Samuel Alagkora Akolgo, has condemned reports that some ward managers are demanding money from student nurses before signing their clinical logbooks, describing the practice as disgraceful, unethical, and unprofessional.

Speaking at an International Women’s Day seminar held at Pusu-Namongo in the Talensi District, Mr Akolgo expressed strong disapproval of the alleged conduct, stressing that it undermines the core values of the nursing and midwifery profession. He noted that many students are already facing financial difficulties, making such demands even more exploitative and unacceptable.

He cautioned that senior professionals who are expected to mentor and guide trainees should not take advantage of them, adding that the practice amounts to a “disease” within the system and a stain on the profession, especially as many current managers benefited from more supportive training environments.

“That is the lowest you should go as a nurse manager. If you are one of those charging students or you are contemplating doing it, please don’t. You are disgracing yourself,” he stated.

Mr Akolgo, who is also a veteran anaesthetist and legal counsel for the Ghana Health Service in the Northern Sector, further urged nurse managers to stop intimidating or harassing junior staff. He called for a shift towards a more supportive culture within health facilities that promotes trust, mentorship, and professional growth.

He emphasised that healthcare systems function better when experienced practitioners guide the younger generation rather than frustrate them, adding that the future of the profession depends on how well trainees are nurtured today.