Dear Honourable Minister,
I write to you in good faith, acknowledging the critical role of nurses and midwives in Ghana’s healthcare system. Their ongoing industrial action underscores deep concerns regarding the implementation of the 2024 Conditions of Service (CoS) agreement, which requires a balanced approach that safeguards both worker welfare and national fiscal sustainability.
I fully recognize the need for improved conditions; however, upon careful review, certain provisions require practical reassessment to align with global workforce standards while ensuring equitable resource distribution.
Key Concerns & Pragmatic Recommendations
1. Fuel Allowance – A More Accountable Alternative
Rather than direct fuel stipends, I recommend prioritizing official vehicle access for work-related duties. Expanding government fleet systems ensures operational efficiency, cost control, and eliminates uncertainties linked to personal vehicle reimbursements.
2. Medical Allowance – A Structured Insurance Model
Sustainable healthcare financing demands a collective insurance framework rather than individual cash stipends. Group health insurance schemes streamline benefits, ensure equitable coverage, and reduce administrative burdens on both government and employees.
3. License Renewal – Professional Responsibility Over Public Subsidy
Globally, professionals self-finance their license renewals as part of career maintenance. Whether in medicine, law, engineering, or finance, individual accountability for professional certification upkeep is standard practice. Nurses should align with this international norm, ensuring parity across sectors.
4. Uniform & Incentive Structures – Standardization for Efficiency
Bulk procurement of standardized uniforms can reduce distribution inefficiencies while maintaining professional standards. Additionally, structured compensation tiers, including incentives for rural postings, must be carefully reviewed to prevent disparities across public service roles.
A Collaborative Approach for Sustainable Reforms
Effective policy reforms require multi-stakeholder engagement, ensuring that workforce demands are balanced with economic realities. Lessons from structured healthcare systems demonstrate the importance of efficiency-driven workforce policies that maintain service quality without financial strain on national resources.
I urge immediate dialogue between government, healthcare unions, and policy experts to refine these conditions, ensuring fair and fiscally responsible solutions that uphold both professional dignity and financial integrity.
I trust in your leadership and commitment to a durable resolution that strengthens Ghana’s healthcare sector.
Sincerely,
Atitso C. Akpalu
Retired Senior Citizen
For and on behalf of All Senior Citizens of Ghana
