Membership

All nurses and midwives who have completed GCNM membership programmes successfully and are in good standing with Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana (N&MC) shall be eligible to be a member of the group. 

Members shall complete a registration form by way of consenting.

Article 3: Objectives of the Group

The group shall have the following objectives  

1. Serve as a mouthpiece for all practicing nurses and midwives specialists in Ghana 
2. Unite all practicing nurses and midwives specialists in Ghana 
3. To champion nurses and midwives specialists agenda and interest
4. To promote high professional standards of practice through education and evidence -based research
5. To strengthen collaboration with GCNM, NMCG, GRNMA, & other nursing/midwifery associations in promoting high ethical and professional standards of care.

Article 4 Supremacy of constitution

The constitution shall be the supreme law of NMSSG & be referred to in all activities, functions and ventures of the group as legal framework governing operations of NMSSG

The Executive

The group shall have national and regional executives

The national executive shall be made up of the following

1. The Chairman
2. The vice chairman
3. The Secretary
4. The Vice secretary
5. The Treasurer
6. The Public Relations Officer
7. The Assistant Public Relations Officer

Article 6: Functions of the National Executive /Executive Council

1. The national executive shall be responsible for the integration of its members into the healthcare system
2. It shall be responsible for the daily administration of the group
3. It shall be responsible for the development of the faculties according to local and international standards
4. It shall be responsible for leading change in the nursing and midwifery professions
5. It shall prepare agenda for annual conferences
6. It shall compile annual reports
7. It shall perform any other function as may deem necessary

Article 7: Functions of Members of the National Executive

7.1 The chairperson

1. Shall chair all meetings of the executive and the group
2. Shall supervise the national executive in the administration of their duties
3. Shall endorse all minutes and reports of the group
4. Shall bear signatory to the Group’s account as the first signatory

7.2 Vice Chairperson

1. Shall assist the chairperson in delivering his/her duties
2. Shall provide advice to the chairperson for effective decision making
3. Shall perform any duties assigned by the chairperson in his/her absence

7.3 The Secretary

1. Shall convene meetings in consultation with the chairperson
2. Shall record and keep minutes of executive meeting and any general meeting of the group
3. Shall circulate reports, notices, and minutes at least three days before meetings
4. Shall receive letters and respond to them in consultation with the chairperson
5. Shall perform any other function as shall be authorized by the executive
6. Shall bear signatory to the Group’s account as the second signatory

7.4 The Assistant Secretary

Shall assist the Secretary in all the activities and act in his or her absence

7.5 The Treasurer

1. Shall be responsible for the financial transactions of the group
2. Shall receive all monies due the group and pay into the groups’ bank account
3. Shall keep appropriate books of accounts according to financial accounting standards
4. Shall provide half yearly and yearly accounts to members and conferences under the directive of the executive
5. Shall bear signatory to the Group’s account as the third signatory

7.6 The Public Relations Officer

1. Shall help in disseminating information that will create public awareness about the group
2. Shall project the high standard and integrity of the group through the provision of information
3. Shall be the spokesperson for the group under the directive of the executive
4. Shall perform other duties as may be directed by the chairperson

7.7 The Assistant Public Relations Officer

1. Shall assist the PRO in his or her activities and act in his or her absence
2. Shall be the spokesperson of the group under the directive of the group

Article 8: Tenure of Office of National Executive

1. All executive members of the group shall hold office for a period of four (4) years and for a maximum of 2 terms. After the each 4-year term, all interested and qualified members including current executives would have to pick and file forms as per the Electoral Regulations for the positions of interest.
2. The chairperson shall not hold any office after a period of 2 terms.
3. Other executive members shall be eligible for re-election for other positions after serving for 2 terms.
4. Members shall be eligible for election into national executive position after practicing for one year after college.

Article 8: Tenure of Office of National Executive

1. All executive members of the group shall hold office for a period of four (4) years and for a maximum of 2 terms. After the each 4-year term, all interested and qualified members including current executives would have to pick and file forms as per the Electoral Regulations for the positions of interest.
2. The chairperson shall not hold any office after a period of 2 terms.
3. Other executive members shall be eligible for re-election for other positions after serving for 2 terms.
4. Members shall be eligible for election into national executive position after practicing for one year after college.

Article 9: Elections of Executives

1. An interested member who is qualified may stand for elections to the national executive of the group. Such a candidate shall be nominated by a member and supported by other 3 members.
2. All candidates for executive positions must present manifestos, curriculum vitae and a photograph to the national executives three (3) months before election.
3. All elections shall be held in March every four (4) years. The national executive committee shall be dissolved by the Chairperson by the 30^th of January on election year to enable the Electoral Commission conduct the election and thereafter reconvene. All members in good standing shall have the right to vote.

Definition of Members in Good Standing

• Member’s dues payments must be up-to-date

Article 10: Regional Executive

The regional executive shall comprise a chairperson, vice chairperson, secretary, financial secretary and organizer. Regional executives shall perform their functions in liaison with national executives.

Article 11: Functions of the Regional Executive

11.1 The Regional Chairpersons

1. They shall be responsible for the day-to –day administration of the group at the regional level
2. They shall be responsible for the performance of the functions of their office as pertains to the national level
3. They shall present quarterly reports of the activities in the region to the national council.

11.2 The Regional Vice Chairperson

• Shall perform similar functions as the National Vice Chairperson at the regional level.

11.3 The Regional Secretary

• Shall perform similar functions as the National Secretary at the regional level.

11.4 The Financial Secretary

• Shall have similar roles as the National Treasurer at the regional level.

11.5 The Organizer

• Shall replace and have similar function as National PRO at regional level.

Article 12: Tenure of Office of Regional Executives

1. Members of the region and district shall hold office in conformity with that of the national executives
2. No member shall hold office for more than two terms
3. The Regional Chairman shall not hold any other office in the region after serving for two terms.

Article 13: Congress 

The group shall have national delegates meeting where elections will be conducted to elect new executives.

The national delegates’ congress shall come every Four (4) years.

Electoral Regulations

1. Notice of Elections 

1. Notice of Elective positions for National Officers shall be published in the News letters, on the notice boards of National and Regional Secretariats, Regional and District Hospitals, at least six (6) months before Delegates congress. 
2. Notice of Elective positions at the Regional and District levels shall be published on the notice boards of Regional Secretariats, Regional and District Hospitals at least six (6) months before Delegates congress. 

1. Filing of Nominations Shall be as Follows: 

Eligibility Criteria

1. Candidate must be in good standing with the group, NMSSG.
2. Candidate’s professional identification number (PIN) must be up-to-date.
3. Candidate must be qualified per Article 8, 9 and 12 of the Constitution.

1. Eligible candidates for the position of a National Officer shall be nominated by a Region and seconded by another Region and shall file their nomination papers not later than four (4) months before Delegates conference. 
2. Eligible candidates for the position of a Regional Officer shall be nominated by a Faculty and seconded by another Faculty in the same Region and shall file their nomination papers not later than four (4) months before Delegates congress. 
3. A candidate shall be deemed to be elected if he/she obtains simple majority of the number of qualified Delegates present and voting. 
4. Unopposed candidates shall be endorsed by a simple majority of the number of qualified Delegates present and voting. 
5. In the event that a candidate does not attain a simple majority endorsement a second round voting should be held two hours after the first voting and declaration. 
6. In the unlikely event that no endorsement is attained at the second voting, the position shall be declared vacant and nominations re-opened for that position and fresh elections conducted at  emergency congress convened specially for that purpose not exceeding one year of the previous congress. 
7. In the event that a candidate is returned unopposed at that extraordinary general congress the candidate shall be declared duly elected. 
8. The Electoral Commission of Ghana shall conduct elections during National Delegates congress. 

3. The Vetting Committee 

The Vetting Committee shall consist of five (5) non-contesting members. 

4. Composition of Vetting Committee 

1. Three (3) of the members shall be elected from the National Council. 
2. Two (2) others, who may be members of the Association but not members of the National Council, shall be elected by the National Executives, on the basis of their expertise, subject to the approval of the National Council. 

Conference

1. The Group shall hold a National Delegates’ Conference once in every two (2) years.
2. The Official Delegates shall consist of the National council and Four (4) representatives of each Regional Branch at ordinary Conferences, but Eight (8) representatives at Election Conferences. 
3. The National Delegates’ Conference shall be the supreme organ of the Association. 
4. The Council may however convene an Emergency National Delegates Conference when the need arises. 

Functions of the National Delegates Conference

1. The National Delegates Conference shall be the highest policy making body of the Group. 
2. It shall have overall supervisory authority over the National Council. 
3. It shall receive and consider Policies, Financial Statements and Biennial Reports of the Group. 
4. It shall also discuss and review Constitutional matters relating to the Group. 
5. It may ratify all the decisions and actions of the National Council. 
6. It shall dissolve the National Executive when a vote of no confidence is passed in the Executive. 
7. The National Secretariat shall circulate notices of meetings of the National Delegates Conference at least three (3) months in advance except in emergencies. 

1. It shall elect National Executive at election conference and in times of vote of no confidence in National Executive members. 

Article 14: Finance 

1. The group shall be financed by dues, levies, grants, scholarships
2. Income from any business venture the group would engage in
3. Income from any investment as may be approved by the leaders in consultation with the group
4. The chairperson, secretary and the treasurer bears the first, second and third signatories to the group’s account respectively.

Article 15: Welfare and Benefits (Amended- February 17, 2021)

1. The group shall support its members in times of bereavement. 
2. Welfare benefits shall be limited to death of a member, parent and a spouse.
3. On the death of a member, an amount of GHC 1,000.00 shall be donated to the children or family
4. Where a member loses a spouse or parent, an amount of GHC 1,000.00 shall be given to the Member
5. The donations of 1,000.00 to each bereaved beneficiary shall be given from the Society’s (NMSSG) Dues, for which each Member contributes GhC20.00 per month as Dues and to benefit, such bereaved Member’s dues payments must be up-to-date/in good standing; subject to reviews as the Group may decide from time to time.
6. Other packages as may be recommended by the Welfare and Socioeconomic Committee; subject to approval by the National Council.

Article 16: Committees of the Group

The group shall have five (5) standing committees 

1. Research and Publication committee (RPC)
2. Academic and leadership committee (ALC)
3. Welfare and socioeconomic committee (WSEC)
4. Clinical care and quality Improvement committee (CQIC)
5. Event planning and organization committee (EPOC)

Research and Publication committee (RPC)

• Search, conduct, compile and publish operational /field researches on health and specialist priority areas of the Group.
• Collate specialist work activity, reports stories and events for review and publication in the newsletter
• Offer assistance on research activities of members and encourage publication of research work of members

Academic and Leadership committee (ALC) 

• Liaise, strengthen and improve faculty relationship /activities of GCNM and NMSG members including exchange programmes
• Coordinate mentorship support activities for residents of GCNM

• Offer assistance and report on leadership and managerial roles of members of NMSG to ensure optimum leadership roles of members

Welfare and socioeconomic committee (WSEC)

• Investigate and recommend welfare needs/ packages for NMSG members internally and externally
• Assist the treasurer in ensuring dues payments by members of NMSG are up to date to enable NMSG activities
• Ensure socioeconomic needs of members are adequately met as stipulated by the Constitution
• Explore alternative ways of revenue generation for the Group and make recommendations to National Executive council.
• Liaise with Event Planning committee to plan for fun trips, excursions and scientific tours to help destress members

Clinical care and quality Improvement committee (CQIC)

• To search current evidence and best clinical care practice guidelines that is shared periodically to update members on current trends of practice
• Conduct periodic clinical care visits and monitoring to assess the quality of care and practice of members
• Assist members to carry out quality improvement projects in their clinical areas to improve care and for publication
• Report on quality improvement projects undertaken by members

Event planning and organization committee (EPOC)

• Liaise with the executives; the PROs to plan events and organize activities, venues, stakeholders,  etc. as contains in our strategic and action plans
• Evaluate and make cost effective recommendations for events /activities of the group
• Keep counter records of events/activities of the group and assist the executive in the planning of annual events for each ensuing year.

Membership of the Committees

The Nurses and Midwives Specialist Society of Ghana (NMSSG) has five (5) Standing Committees that are to work closely with the executives to ensure smooth functioning of the Group’s activities and strategic plan.

Research and Publication Committee (RPC)

1. George S. Boni
2. Mohammed Iddrisu -(Chairperson)
3. Rasheed Ofosu-Poku
4. Courage Kwame-Kumah -(Secretary)
5. Benjamin Anankpieng
6. Naomi Ohene Oti
7. Evelyn Sunnu
8. Monica Mate Kodjo
9. Josephine Sarfo
10. Worlase Dotse
11. Hannah Abankwah
12. Marese Kanyeti Bugri

Academic and Leadership Committee (ALC)

1. Mabel Asafo
2. Evelyn Osei-Amoah
3. Coretta Essoun-Thompson
4. Lukman Amadu -(Secretary)
5. Diana Dwuma-Badu -(Chairperson)
6. Henrietta Ntow
7. Priscilla N. A. Allotey
8. Florence Hagan
9. Mustapha Mahama

Welfare and Socioeconomic Committee (WSEC)

1. Gifty Bajoe Addo -(Chairperson)
2. Yaa Serwah Amaning -(Secretary)
3. Danzuma Anyemen
4. Gloria H Amanor
5. Eunice Armah
6. Raymond Nsobono Abane
7. Beatrice Boahemaa Dampare

Clinical Care and Quality Improvement Committee (CQIC)

1. Itsuko Kai Annah -(Chairperson)
2. Sheila Nigre
3. Joycelyn Owusu-Ansah
4. Gladys Anyane
5. Lilian Kolbila
6. Josephine Dzamenu
7. Susana Aidoo
8. Patience Opusumah
9. Tabitha Gyanewaa Quaidoo
10. Agnes Asare Bediako
11. Barbara N. Adu
12. Emelia Osei Boakye
13. Sarah Asamoah -(Secretary)
14. Lydia Owusu Ansah

Event Planning and Organization Committee (EPOC)

1. Adwoa Owusu-Adjei -(Chairperson)
2. Sheena Adu-Assiamah -(Secretary)
3. Sandra Ofori
4. Mavis Adjaye
5. Joyce Duku
6. Senam Kudjawu
7. Ivy Abrusuh
8. Esther Kyewaah Opoku
9. Miriam Tourner
10. Joyce Tettegah

Committees Scope of Work

Research and Publication Committee (RPC)

• Identify research topics, conduct, compile and publish operational/field research on health and specialists priority areas of the Group.
• Collate specialists work activity reports, stories and events for review and publication in NMSSG Newsletter
• Offer assistance on research activities of members and encourage publication of research work of members

Academic and Leadership Committee (ALC)

• Liaise, strengthen and improve specialist faculty activities and relationship with GCNM/NMSSG members, including offers for exchange programmes
• Coordinate mentorship support activities for residents of GCNM
• Offer assistance and report on leadership & managerial roles of members of NMSSG to inspire optimum leadership roles of members

Welfare and Socioeconomic Committee (WSEC)

• Investigate and recommend welfare needs/packages for NMSSG members internally & externally (GRNMA, Government, etc.)
• Ensure socioeconomic needs of members are adequately met as stipulated by the Constitution
• Explore sponsorship and revenue generation avenues for the group and make recommendations to the executives.
• Liaise with Event planning and organization Committee to plan for fun trips, excursions & scientific tours for members destress 

Clinical Care and Quality Improvement Committee (CQIC)

• Search current evidence and best clinical care guidelines that are shared periodically to update members on current trends of practice
• Conduct periodic clinical care monitoring visits to assess the quality of care & practice of members
• Assist members to carry out quality improvement projects in their clinical area to improve and for publication.

Event Planning and Organization Committee (EPOC)

• Liaise with the executives (PROs) to plan events and organize activities, venues, stakeholders and materials for programmes, etc. as contained in Strategic and Action plans of NMSSG.
• Evaluate and make cost effective and alternative recommendations for events/activities of the Group.
• Keep counter records of events/activities of the group & assist the executives in planning annual events for each ensuing year.

Article 17: Amendment of the Constitution

The constitution may be amended subject to the following:

1. The Regional Branch shall present proposal of amendment and recommendation to the National Council for consideration.
2. The National Council shall study the amendment proposal and the recommendation from the Regional Branch.
3. Upon the acceptance by the National Council of the recommendation for the amendments, the National Council shall circulate to the Regions the Amendment Proposal twenty-eight (28) clear days before the Delegates’ Conference.
4. The Amendment Proposal shall be put on the Agenda for the Delegates’ Conference and discussed.
5. For the amendment to be valid, two thirds (2/3) of the members present at the meeting must vote in favour of the amendments.
6. The review of the constitution should be ten (10) years and amendment of the constitution should be every four (4) years.

…End…

Constitution Development Committee Members

1. Ms Mabel Kissiwah Asafo Chairperson
2. Ms Adwoa Konadu Owusu-Adjei Member
3. Ms Ivy Abrusuh Member
4. Mr Mohammed Iddrisu Member
5. Mr Courage Kwame-Kumah Secretary

APPROVAL / SIGNATORIES

1. National Chairperson, NMSSG (Mark Anthony Azongo)
2. The Constitution Committee Chair (Mabel Kissiwah Asafo)
3. The Constitution Committee Secretary (Courage Kwame-Kumah)
4. National Secretary, NMSSG (Raphael E. K. Korkortsi)

Approved & Adopted, this 10th day of August, 2020.