The Health Accounting Staff Association of Ghana (HASAG) has issued a firm ultimatum to the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), warning of potential nationwide industrial action if stalled negotiations over its conditions of service are not resumed immediately.
In a strongly worded letter dated June 18 and signed by HASAG’s National President, Emmanuel Dennis Kofi Amoah, the Association demanded that the FWSC return to the negotiating table by Monday, June 23, 2025, or face lawful consequences, including the activation of industrial action.
Negotiations between HASAG and the FWSC commenced in November 2023, but according to the Association, the talks have been inexplicably dormant for more than eight months. Repeated requests to resume the process have reportedly gone unanswered.
“The continued delay runs counter to the principles of good faith negotiations,” HASAG stressed, citing Article 13(i) and (ii) of the Standing Negotiating Committee (SNC) Rules, which stipulate a two-month timeframe for the conclusion of negotiations, with an additional two-week grace period for unresolved matters.
HASAG warned that failure to meet the June 23 deadline will compel the Association to “activate all lawful steps,” including the possibility of a strike, to press home its demands.
The Association also accused the FWSC of “deliberate sabotage,” alleging that the prolonged silence appears to be a strategic attempt to frustrate HASAG’s efforts and weaken its internal cohesion.
The consequences, HASAG claims, are already showing: several of its members have defected to the Health Services Workers’ Union (HSWU)—a union that began its negotiations later but has already concluded talks and secured financial benefits for its members.
“This situation is causing strong agitations and unrest among our members nationwide,” the letter stated.
In a move to escalate the matter, HASAG has reported the FWSC to the National Labour Commission, and is also urging urgent intervention from the Ministries of Finance, Health, and Employment and Labour Relations to prevent disruptions in the financial management of the public health sector.
While HASAG maintains that it is committed to dialogue, it made clear that the patience of its members is wearing thin.
“If the FWSC fails to meet the Monday deadline, we will not hesitate to take all lawful steps to protect the interests of our members,” the Association warned.
