The Minority in Parliament has criticised the Mahama-led administration over its handling of the ongoing strike by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA).
Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, the Ranking Member on the Health Committee, Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie, accused the government of treating the association unfairly.
According to him, the demands of GRNMA are legitimate and justified, and he is at a loss as to why the government is reluctant to implement the 2024 Collective Agreement.
“The government has not been fair to these nurses. They have to sit down with them and listen to their concerns. Luckily, the mid-year budget review will be done this month or next month, so they should assure the nurses that their concerns will be captured,” he stated.
However, Dr. Afriyie appealed to the striking healthcare professionals for mercy and reasonableness in their negotiations, urging them to prioritise the welfare of Ghanaians.
“I will appeal to the nurses to consider accepting a phased implementation of their demands and return to work for the sake of Ghanaians,” he urged.
GRNMA laid down their tools on Tuesday, June 4, bringing vital healthcare services across more than 300 public hospitals and clinics in all 16 regions to a near standstill.
Thousands of patients have been left stranded, with emergency units operating minimally and scheduled surgeries postponed indefinitely.