A REPORT FROM THE 2ND INTERNATIONAL NURSING AND MIDWIFERY LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE, HELD IN THE UNIVERSITY OF GHANA, ACCRA, 8TH – 12TH APRIL 2019.

Lead Nurse Africa International Foundation in collaboration with Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana and the University of Ghana held her 2nd International Nursing and Midwifery Conference in the University of Ghana on 8th – 12th April 2019, with theme; Expanded Scope of Discourse of Health and Healthcare Promotion in the Context of Achievement of The Sustainable Development Goals.

The 2nd Nursing and Midwifery Leadership Conference was aimed at documenting demands and practices for health promotion, enhanced healthcare provision and enhanced access for the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. The emphasis therefore, was on Capacity Building for enhanced health promotion practices towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals.

In attendance and recognition, were nine African countries, including the United States of America and the United Kingdom, with distinguished delegates over five hundred, including nine proficient facilitators represented across borders, with appreciated knowledge and expertise from various fields. Alongside, other distinct speakers with palpable passion and strength.

The 5-Day Leadership Conference was divided into two parts;

The Pre-Conference Workshop; which held on 8th – 9th of April, 2019 (Day 1 - 2), was focused on advancing the agenda by following up of actions at country level. In addition, to consider the draft documents for the establishment of the central coordinating organ for the African Nursing and Midwifery Network for healthcare development. Also, the Advance Practice Nurse Programme as a critical intervention for enhanced health and healthcare access in African nations.

The Conference continued with the formal Opening Ceremony on Day 3, Wednesday, April 10, 2019, at about 8:30am, led by the anchors; Julie Mogbo (FBN) and Sani Yasir, which proceeded to be cheered by the recitation of the Ghana National Anthem and Nurses’ Anthem. The Welcome Address was taken by the Ag. Dean, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Ghana; Dr. Lydia Aziato, recognizing countries and delegates present.
The Keynote Address for the day titled “Health and Healthcare for Africans – Beyond Rhetorics and Challenging Normatives for the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals’’ was facilitated by Dr. Lydia Aziato. Emphasis was laid on health care access, integration of healthcare, policies to address inequalities, and social determinants of health such as poverty.
Following an insightful session, an entertaining presentation by a group of Ghanaian Cultural Dance Crew ensued.

The Conference finally was declared open by the Honorable Minister of Health, Ghana; Hon. Kwaku Agyemang-Manu at about 11:30 a.m.
Vote of Thanks and Announcements subsequently, were given by the Board Chairman, Lead Nurse Africa; Richmond Dayo Johnson. A Health Break followed shortly.

Reconveyance of delegates was ushered by plenary sessions. The first plenary session was titled ‘’Evidence-based Nursing and Midwifery Practices in the 21st Century: Dynamics and Challenges, the Triage’’ facilitated by Dr. Lydia Aziato. Qualitative research, use of social media, becoming a stakeholder in the profession, and contributing your widow’s might were chiefly stressed on in the discourse. The second plenary session was stressed on Innovation in HealthcCare and maintaining relevance as health professionals. A Lunch Break followed thereafter.

Scientific Sessions; twelve papers in various concurrent sessions following the Lunch Break commenced.
The day was brought to a close at about 4:30p.m., with nonstop networking and merrymaking.

Day 4, Thursday, 11th April 2019 was a day to reckon with for majority of delegates. With matching Lead Nurse Africa T-shirts being worn, the mood spoke intimacy and bonding. The day kickstarted with a concise and explicit lecture by Oluwadamilola Apotieri-Abdulai on Improv Injection: Replacing the prescription with Improv. Following an impactful fun session, the third plenary session, titled "Introduction to the Transformational Leadership Programme for Nursing Leaders in Africa" took off by a proficient Leadership and Communications Coach; Paul Allen, alongside, Danielle Imbeault.

Leadership and Communication was presented from a renewed perspective with focus on Relationship Building and Influence. The ladder of perception was further explored, climbing from an event (as a camera would capture it) towards actions taken eventually. Personality insight summary in an activity session categorized delegates into four groups represented by colours; Sunshine Yellow, Cool Blue, Earth Green, and Fiery Red. The need to walk the wheel with flexibility through all of these personality traits in building relationships was emphasized, more especially, as Nursing Professionals. Furthermore, to be a successful leader, the culture of self ownership and taking responsibility was stressed to be imbibed in personal relationships and in the Nursing profession. "Quit playing the victim role, and start to see every problem as a challenge", Paul said.
The energizing session ended at about 2p.m., succeded by Lunch Break.

Convergence by delegates in the hall again continued with uninterrupted motion for Transformational Leadership delivered on another subject of "Nurses as Leaders: Leadership Development Competencies, by Esther Oshunluyi. She discussed on four pathways to Leadership as Nurses; Academia, Health care policy, Service in health care, Association management. These were expanded and built upon, with more emphasis on the need for African Nurses to embrace Politics and Policy Process in Health care.

A long and exciting day sure came to a close at about 5p.m. Selfie sessions, networking, chitchat also followed concurrently.

Day 5, Friday, 12th April, 2019 kicked off with Professor Okoronkwo taking the stage on Policy and Politics in Nursing and Healthcare: The role of Nursing Leadership in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals. A session truly full of motivation and insight. The need for Nurses to be in the light and forefront of Policy Process could not be overemphasized. At student level, involvement in Student Unions, Associations, amongst the rest. "If you are not on the table, you will be on the menu", as rightly echoed. Nurses and Nursing Leaders were enjoined into putting more interest, enthusiasm, and assertion for policies defining the Healthcare System for the collective achievement of Sustainable Development Goals.

Diverse paper presentations, projects, and researches were dished out accordingly by Scientific Nurse Researchers with vast knowledge. A framework was developed for the establishment of Advanced Practice Nursing in Africa with specified roles such as; Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anaesthetist. Following presentations, a brief session for questions and answers was allocated where delegates were given time to express their views. A Health Break  ensued thereafter at about 12p.m.

Reconveyance of delegates met with the commencement of Panel Discussion on Private Nursing Practice: Challenges and Prospects for Health Care Access for Population Health in Africa. A country by country panel discussion where each spoke about seeming challenges and prospects in Private Nursing Practice.

The Closing Ceremony started at about 3p.m., with recognition and applause to the host school and country; University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana, the Ag. Dean, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Ghana; Dr. Lydia Aziato, the Board of Directors, the Chairman Advisory Board, Lead Nurse Africa; Richie Dayo Johnson, the Executive Director, Lead Nurse Africa; Collins Ogbolu, Country Director for Ghana; Evelyn Amoako, Country Director for Nigeria; Sani Yasir, Family Health Director; Julie Mogbo, and every other executive and supporters present who saw to the success of the Conference.
Thereafter, Recognition and Presentation of Awards to Facilitators with rounds of photo sessions followed. Also, certification of distinguished Delegates from all countries.

The Conference was successfully brought to an end with the Vote of Thanks and Acknowledgements by the Chairman, Advisory Board Committee, Lead Nurse Africa; Richie Dayo Johnson, thanking all for their distinguished presence and wishing delegates safe trips back to their respective countries.

However, what is a visit to a prestigious country like Ghana without having a feel of her environment and culture?
Adventure definitely could not be left out. A Tour was organized for Nigerian Delegates to the Nigerian Embassy in Ghana and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana. Also, a visit to Focos Orthopaedic Centre where paediatric spinal disorders such as scoliosis and kyphosis were being managed. A brief lecture on the history of the beautiful country of Ghana was also given.