Dr. Nana Ayew AfriyieAmid a nationwide health crisis triggered by the ongoing strike by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), there is a glimmer of hope that an end to the impasse may be near.
Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie, Ranking Member on Parliament’s Health Committee, has expressed confidence that a resolution could be reached by the close of day, following promising developments in Parliament.
Addressing the House on Thursday, June 12, Dr. Afriyie revealed that the Health Committee had held a productive, non-partisan meeting to tackle the strike head-on. According to him, lawmakers from both the Majority and Minority caucuses put politics aside to jointly explore viable solutions to the pressing standoff, which has left healthcare services strained nationwide.
“Today, the committee, the non-partisan committee—after a good discussion, has been able for us to make a peaceful way, and we hope there will be good news by close of day because of our cooperative stance,” he stated.
Dr. Afriyie acknowledged the gravity of the nurses’ grievances, affirming that the Minority stands firmly behind their right to demand better working conditions. However, he also urged them to weigh the broader consequences of their industrial action, particularly on vulnerable patients.
“Inasmuch as the Minority Caucus respects the rights of our nurses, we sympathise with them in pursuit of those rights. We are pleading with them to be merciful to the plights of Ghanaians and return to work as they look forward to government engagement,” he added.
The strike, which has entered its second week, was declared by the GRNMA in protest against the government’s failure to honor a revised collective agreement and improve conditions of service for nurses and midwives. The industrial action has led to the shutdown of outpatient departments and disrupted care in both public and some private health facilities.
Despite the growing pressure, Thursday’s developments in Parliament suggest a shift toward dialogue and compromise. Both sides of the political divide appear aligned in their desire to bring the standoff to a swift and peaceful conclusion. Stakeholders across the health sector and civil society are closely watching, hopeful that the unity shown in Parliament will translate into concrete outcomes that ease the burden on the nation’s healthcare system.
