Accra: The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has strongly criticized the government’s strategy of calling on retired nurses and midwives to volunteer as a temporary solution to the ongoing strike by health workers. They argue that this approach will not address the core issues at hand.
According to Ghana News Agency, the GRNMA President explained the challenges faced by retired nurses, many of whom suffer from health issues such as back and knee problems after decades of service. She emphasized that retirees are already burdened with medical and financial difficulties, and the system fails to support them adequately. This statement was made during a media interaction following the appeal by Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Minister of Health, who called for retired professionals to step in temporarily.
The government’s appeal followed an inconclusive meeting between the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Finance, and the GRNMA. The government cited budget constraints as the reason for its inability to meet the demands of the association, proposing to delay the implementation of the 2024 Collective Agreement to 2026. This proposal was firmly rejected by the GRNMA.
Mrs. Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, President of the GRNMA, stated that while their services have been withdrawn, arrangements for skeletal services in critical areas have been made. She stressed that meeting their financial demands is essential. She also highlighted that student and rotational nurses are working under the supervision of their senior colleagues to ensure patient care continues where necessary.
The strike, which began with the withdrawal of Out-Patient Department (OPD) services from June 4 to 8, followed by a complete withdrawal of services from June 9, 2025, is a protest against the government’s delay in implementing the collective agreement signed in May 2024. Despite efforts by the government to persuade the association to end the strike, the GRNMA has maintained its stance, seeking timely implementation of the agreement that covers all nurses and midwives in Ghana.