Accra: Tensions ran high in Ghana’s Parliament on Tuesday, as proceedings descended into chaos following an argument between the Minority and the First Deputy Speaker, Mr. Bernard Ahiafor over a statement on the ongoing strike by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA). Ranking Member of the Health Committee, Dr. Ayew Afriyie, insisted on addressing the House on the nurses’ industrial action, despite Mr. Ahiafor’s refusal to admit the statement.

According to Ghana News Agency, the situation escalated when the First Deputy Speaker ordered the Marshal to remove Dr. Afriyie from the chamber, triggering uproar among Minority Members of Parliament. However, this stance didn’t deter Dr. Ayew Afriyie and the Minority MPs, who protested vehemently.

The chaos forced the Speaker to adjourn proceedings Wednesday, at 1400 hours amid disruptions and heated exchanges between members. The strike by nurses and midwives, now in its second week, has had severe impacts on health service delivery nationwide.

Government negotiators are urging restraint and continued dialogue, while GRNMA has insisted that it will only return to work once implementation begins. ‘I am surprised at the First Deputy Speaker’s action against my speaking to a national issue that appeals to the nurses to come back and take care of Ghanaians,’ Dr. Ayew Afriyie told the press at a press conference.