The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has appealed to the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) to reconsider their ongoing nationwide strike and resume negotiations.
Since taking office, Mr. Akandoh said he has held about six meetings with the GRNMA leadership, demonstrating commitment to addressing their concerns.
The strike, which began on June 4, was launched to protest the government’s failure to implement improved conditions of service agreed upon in the 2024 Collective Agreement. The industrial action has severely disrupted healthcare services nationwide, leaving many patients stranded and medical facilities overwhelmed.
Despite emergency directives from the Ministry of Health to maintain critical services, the GRNMA has highlighted persistent neglect of nurses’ welfare.
In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Mr. Akandoh acknowledged the legitimacy of the nurses’ demands but stated that the strike was not the solution.
“I don’t have any problem with workers demanding improved conditions of service, but we must collectively discuss appropriate ways to implement them to restore peace. I have consistently engaged my colleagues at the Ministry of Finance and can say we are not tired,” he said.
“Government is continuous, so if the demands are reasonable and legitimate, I don’t think we should shy away from addressing them. They should come back and let’s engage,” he urged.
Meanwhile, the National Labour Commission (NLC) has declared the strike illegal and directed the GRNMA to immediately return to work.