Nurses stationed in Binduri in the Upper East Region are appealing to the government for urgent intervention as the ongoing conflict in nearby Bawku continues to endanger their lives.
In an interview monitored by Happyghana.com, two nurses, who identified themselves only as Shirley and Akosua for safety reasons, expressed deep concern about the deteriorating security situation.
They revealed that since the conflict intensified in Bawku, health workers in the area have been compelled to report to duty without risk allowances, adequate protection, or improved conditions of service.
They said the presence of armed police and military personnel in Binduri had heightened fear and anxiety instead of offering reassurance. According to them, they often leave for work uncertain whether they will return home safely or become victims of the ongoing violence.
“We leave for work uncertain whether we’ll return home safely or become casualties of the conflict,” one of the nurses lamented.
The nurses also indicated that the curfew imposed in the area had worsened their situation. They explained that they are now required to sleep as early as 2pm and are only allowed to step out after 6am, a condition they said has disrupted their daily lives. They further lamented that despite all their sacrifices, their services remain unappreciated.
“Our basic rights have been curtailed. We are forced to sleep by 2pm and can only move out after 6 am, severely disrupting our routines, despite these sacrifices, our efforts remain unappreciated,” she added.
They called on the government and civil society organizations to come to their aid and evacuate them from the conflict zone, stressing that their lives are in serious danger.