‘If you are alive today, thank a midwife’, were the lyrics on the lips of all gathered at the Jubilee Park, Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region of Ghana on Monday, 6th May 2019, during the commemoration the International Day of Midwife in Ghana. It was held under the global theme: Midwives: Defenders of Women’s Right.
At the ceremony, the Upper East Regional Minister, Ms. Paulina Patience Abagaye said she will forever remain grateful to Ms. Mary Mba, a midwife of the Bolgatanga Hospital for saving her life and that of her daughter 25 years ago. She disclosed it was Ms. Mba’s patience and dedication that made her wait for her for hours as she went through a rather difficult and prolonged labour. ‘My baby came out very weak and looking blueish but Madam Mba resuscitated her. Today I celebrate Ms. Mba and all midwives for their life-saving work’, she concluded.
Addressing people present at the ceremony, the UNFPA Ghana Representative, Mr. Niyi Ojuolape stated in his address that, ‘Midwives are critical players in ensuring that women enjoy the fulfilment of their basic right to quality sexual and reproductive healthcare services’, hence, ‘the theme for the celebration was apt’ he added. He also acknowledged the challenges some of them faced, while encouraging them to keep working hard. ‘You will be acknowledged one day for the work you do, as it is humbling and altogether fulfilling. It is service for others and also, for the good of Ghana’, Mr. Ojuolape reiterated.
Hajia Abiba Abudul Rahim of the Tamale Teaching Hospital, who emerged as best midwife for the Northern region said, ‘It is fulfilling to know that someone acknowledges the work you do’, adding that, the recognition has motivated her to put in more efforts.
A total of fourteen midwives; 10 from the regions and four from the teaching hospitals were honoured at the ceremony.
