Accra: The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has announced that its members will remain on strike until the Ministry of Health implements the Conditions of Service outlined in their Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). This decision was made during a National Council meeting held in Accra, where the GRNMA Council instructed healthcare workers to stay home until an agreement with the government is reached.

According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Philemon Gyapong, the Assistant National Public Relations Officer of the Association, stated on Wednesday that the Conditions of Service, signed last year, are overdue for implementation. He called on the government to fulfill the agreement to allow the nurses and midwives to return to work and continue saving lives.

In May 2024, the GRNMA and the Ministry of Health finalized a Collective Bargaining Agreement, scheduled for a two-year renewal post-negotiation. The Association emphasized that until the 2024 CBA is implemented, further negotiations would only cause delays.

Key provisions in the CBA include demands for medical insurance for nurses and their families, a 13th-month salary to alleviate living costs, and a rural incentive for those serving in remote areas. Additionally, the Association seeks risk allowances for those working in hazardous conditions, a GHS1,000 support for nurse/midwife trainees, and compensation for extra duties and on-call work. They also stress the need for a commitment from the employer to ensure safe working environments.

On June 5, the GRNMA informed the Ministry of Health of their intention to withdraw services in all outpatient departments nationwide starting June 9, as a measure to press for the implementation of the Conditions of Service.

The GRNMA is a professional body with over 120,000 active members across 15 specialized groups, including the Midwives Society, Preventive Health Nurses Society, and Ghana Ophthalmic Nurses Society, among others.