NEWS FLASH: New mother loses twin at Koforidua Hospital due to strike

A nursing mother has lost one of her newborn twins at the Eastern Regional Hospital in Koforidua, sparking deep concern about the ongoing nationwide strike by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA).

The sad incident happened in the early hours of Monday, June 9. Reports indicate that after delivery, both babies were transferred from the lying-in ward to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where they were placed in an incubator. Unfortunately, one of the twins died, allegedly due to delayed medical attention.

While the exact cause of death is still not confirmed, hospital sources say the healthcare worker assigned to the NICU reported late for duty. This delay reportedly led to a lapse in care that proved fatal for the baby.

Some mothers at the hospital expressed their frustration and fear, blaming the tragedy on the ongoing strike by nurses and midwives.

One mother, speaking to Citi News, said, “No nurse was available, and the one who came in to assist came in late to support, resulting in the death of the twin. We’re suffering due to the strike—there are no nurses available. We’re pleading with the government to consider the nurses’ demand because the babies are dying.”

Another concerned mother added, “The government should come to a compromise with the nurses. If their demands are ignored, our babies will continue to die. We’re really scared.”

The GRNMA began the strike after rejecting the government’s proposal to postpone implementation of new conditions of service to 2026. A critical emergency meeting held on Monday between the Ministry of Health, the GRNMA leadership, and other key stakeholders ended without any breakthrough.

As the standoff continues, there is growing fear about its impact on vulnerable groups, especially newborn babies and mothers, in hospitals across the country.