The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has strongly condemned what it describes as draconian and intimidating measures being proposed by the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) against nurses and midwives who participated in the Association’s recent nationwide strike.
In a press release dated July 2, 2025, the GRNMA leadership raised alarm over a CHAG circular, titled “Request for List of Staff,” issued on June 30, 2025. The letter, which was reportedly distributed to CHAG’s member facilities, outlined punitive actions targeting staff who joined the GRNMA industrial action.
According to GRNMA, CHAG’s proposals include:
- Returning newly posted staff who participated in the strike back to CHAG for reposting
- Demotion of staff in management positions who joined the strike
- Withdrawal of all allowances, including responsibility, accommodation, and vehicle benefits, for the month of May
- Delays in promotions for striking staff, citing performance, conduct, and character
- Writing to the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department to withhold a week’s salary for those involved in the strike
Describing the measures as “unjustified and oppressive,” GRNMA said the actions sought to erode the rights of unionised workers.
“We unequivocally condemn these intimidation tactics that seek to undermine our right to peaceful assembly and protest,” the Association stated. “Targeting individuals who stand up for their rights not only threatens the principles of justice and fairness but also jeopardises the very ethos of our profession, which is built on care, compassion, and solidarity.”
GRNMA further reminded CHAG that all nurses and midwives working in faith-based facilities under CHAG are paid by the Government of Ghana and remain protected under the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651). The Association cited Section 10(d) of the Act, which guarantees workers the right to join and participate in trade union activities, including strikes.
“Joining a union means participating in all activities of the trade union, including any industrial action organised by the union. It is unfair labour practice to punish an individual for participating in a collective action rolled out by his or her union like the strike action by GRNMA,” the statement stressed.
While acknowledging that essential service providers are subject to certain strike restrictions under Sections 162 and 163 of the Labour Act, the Association argued that the same law imposes a duty on employers to give special attention to their concerns.
“The law is never one-sided and is fair to all parties,” it added.
The GRNMA also issued a strong warning, vowing to defend its members through all legitimate means if CHAG proceeds with any retaliatory actions.
“We want to assure all nurses and midwives working in CHAG facilities who participated in the GRNMA strike that the leadership of the Association will take CHAG on if they touch any nurse or midwife working in their facilities, and we will not hesitate to lay down our tools in support of our colleagues.”
The Association urged its members in CHAG facilities to remain calm and continue discharging their duties while leadership works to ensure the implementation of the Collective Agreement and the protection of their labour rights.
Below is a copy of the statement:
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Risa Wyettey Cofie
