Accra: The Government on Monday appealed to public-spirited retired nurses and midwives to volunteer their services for a brief period pending the resolution of the ongoing industrial action by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA). Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Health Minister, stated that while efforts are underway to resolve the impasse, the Ministry is taking steps to alleviate the suffering of patients affected by the strike.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Akandoh, addressing the press at the Presidency in Accra, announced that the Ministry will soon publish a comprehensive list of facilities to address the shortage of nursing services and guide patients seeking healthcare. He expressed gratitude to practicing nurses who have chosen to continue working to assist patients and urged others to consider doing the same while efforts are made to resolve their concerns.
Mr. Akandoh explained that the strike by the GRNMA arose from discussions on the new Conditions of Service signed in May 2024, initially scheduled for implementation in July 2024. He highlighted that since assuming office, he has engaged with the GRNMA on several occasions to explore avenues for approving and implementing the new Conditions of Service.
While expressing regret over the current situation, Mr. Akandoh acknowledged the significant contributions of Ghanaian nurses and midwives to the health sector. He reiterated the Government’s commitment to the necessary engagements to approve and implement the new Conditions of Service for nurses and midwives. He mentioned that the Ministry of Finance and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission have been directed to urgently develop a roadmap for the smooth implementation of the process.
Mr. Akandoh noted that on May 30, 2025, he engaged with the leadership of all nurses and midwives associations to address their challenges and discuss the roadmap for implementing the new Conditions of Service. While other associations supported his intervention, the GRNMA declined and declared the strike on June 2, 2025, despite a caution from the National Labour Commission (NLC).
The NLC summoned all stakeholders to an emergency meeting on June 5 to address the matter. However, the GRNMA did not cooperate or attend the meeting. Consequently, the NLC took legal steps to declare the strike illegal and urged the GRNMA to call it off immediately.
On June 9, Mr. Akandoh invited the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission to engage the GRNMA and the Ministry of Finance on a roadmap for the successful implementation of the new Conditions of Service. At this meeting, the FWSC, in accordance with the law, directed the GRNMA to call off the strike to allow negotiations to continue.
Mr. Akandoh emphasized the Government’s readiness to engage further to implement the Conditions of Service in a way that does not disrupt the National Budget. He noted that the conditions of service are not included in the 2025 Budget and could have severe economic implications if implemented immediately.
Mr. Thomas Nyarko Ampem, the Deputy Finance Minister, stated that the Ministry is prepared to assist in resolving the industrial action, recognizing the critical role of the GRNMA in healthcare delivery. He cautioned that implementing the current conditions of service demanded by the GRNMA could add over two billion cedis to the compensation budget, impacting the country’s economic stability.
Mr. Ampem appealed to the GRNMA leadership to negotiate with the Government for a mutually beneficial outcome, assuring them of the administration’s commitment to providing fair compensation for their sacrifices. Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Presidential Spokesman and Minister of State in-charge of Government Communications, confirmed that the government’s doors remain open for further negotiations to amicably resolve the issue.