Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has made a heartfelt appeal to members of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) to return to work, stressing that constructive negotiations cannot proceed while the nationwide strike continues.
Speaking on 3FM on Wednesday, June 11, the Minister emphasised his longstanding support for healthcare workers and assured them of his ongoing commitment to their welfare.
“To all health workers, I remain the best person to advocate for your interests, and I will continue to do so. But let’s return to our health facilities, meaningful engagement can’t happen while you’re still on strike,” he stated.
The strike, declared by the GRNMA, stems from the government’s failure to implement the 2024 Collective Bargaining Agreement signed over a year ago. What began as a symbolic protest—members wearing red armbands and headbands from June 2 to 3—escalated into a full-scale industrial action with the suspension of Outpatient Department (OPD) services from June 4 to 8.
On May 28, over 128,000 nurses and midwives formally announced the strike, citing the government’s persistent delay in executing their revised conditions of service. The GRNMA has insisted that they will only resume work once the agreement is honoured in full.
In response, the National Labour Commission (NLC) intervened, securing a court injunction against the strike and directing the union to engage with the Ministry of Health to resolve the impasse.
Despite these legal steps, pressure continues to mount from stakeholders urging the nurses to reconsider their position in the interest of public health.
Economic Management Strategist Winfred Kingsley Afful echoed these concerns, urging both parties to prioritise life-saving care and resume dialogue.
“We know the nurses play a critical role in health delivery, they may have genuine concerns, but I appeal to them to resume work as the government addresses their concerns,” he stated.
As negotiations remain stalled, the Ministry of Health continues to express its willingness to work with GRNMA leadership, provided nurses return to their posts and allow for uninterrupted engagement.
