The Ministry of Health is urging the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) to approach negotiations in a manner that safeguards the nation’s economic stability.
This comes as the GRNMA remains steadfast in rejecting the government’s proposal to defer the implementation of their revised conditions of service to 2026.
The Association argues that its members are being treated unfairly, particularly in comparison to other public sector unions whose demands have been promptly addressed.
An emergency meeting held on Monday, June 9, between GRNMA leadership, the Ministry of Health, and other key stakeholders failed to yield a resolution—deepening the crisis in health facilities already burdened by the ongoing strike.
Addressing the media on Tuesday, June 10, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh acknowledged the growing pressure on the healthcare system and appealed for continued dialogue to resolve the impasse.
“Government wishes to stress its readiness to further engage with the view to implementing the Conditions of Service in a manner that does not dislocate the national budget,” Mr. Akandoh stated.
“We wish to draw attention to the fact that the conditions of service under reference are not captured in the 2025 budget and will completely throw the economy off-gear if implemented immediately in the manner it currently exists. We are mindful of the serious economic consequences of unbudgeted expenditure and want to avoid the economic slippages that led to hardships in the recent past.”
He emphasized that the government is mindful of the economic consequences of unplanned expenditures and is committed to avoiding setbacks that could trigger further hardship.
“Government commits to continue to engage with the nurses in order to achieve a mutually acceptable outcome in the interest of the public,” he added.
Meanwhile, the GRNMA has not indicated when the strike will be called off, prolonging uncertainty in the delivery of healthcare services nationwide.
Source: Ghana/Starrrfm.com.gh/Hamdia Mohammed
