The Ministry of Health has appealed to the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) to reconsider its planned industrial action, while outlining a series of measures to cushion the health sector against potential disruptions.
In a press release signed by spokesperson Tony Goodman, the Ministry provided an update on engagements held with various nursing associations following GRNMA’s announcement of a planned roadmap toward industrial action.
According to the Ministry, a meeting was held on May 30 with all nursing and midwifery groups, including GRNMA, the Union of Professional Nurses and Midwives (UPNMG), Ghana Registered Midwives Association (GRMA), National Association of Registered Midwives (NARM-G), Psychiatric Nurses Association, Ghana (PAPNG), and the Nurses and Midwives Educators Society.
“All the groups presented their cases forcefully in favour of implementing the Collective Agreement in the interest of nurses and midwives in the country,” the statement said, noting that the agreement, signed in 2024, has yet to be implemented.
The Health Minister, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, assured stakeholders of his commitment to improving the welfare of nurses and midwives and proposed the formation of a three-member committee—comprising representatives from the nurses’ group, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Health—to address the matter conclusively.
While the proposal was accepted by all the groups, the Ministry noted that GRNMA is the only association yet to commit to continuing service delivery. The remaining associations pledged to keep working while discussions continued.
To mitigate the impact of GRNMA’s planned strike, the Ministry has directed that:
- Security agencies provide protection for nurses who continue to work.
- All hospital managers, particularly Directors of Nursing Services and their deputies, remain at post throughout the strike period.
- Heads of health units ensure continuous delivery of services, especially emergency and maternity care.
- Ambulance services remain on standby in all districts.
- Emergency coordination structures be established in all facilities.
- Daily reports on service delivery be submitted by the heads of health institutions to the Ag. Chief Director.
- Quasi-government health facilities prepare to manage a potential influx of patients.
- Rotational nurses and those in mandatory clinical training abstain from any industrial action.
- Necessary logistics be continuously provided to reduce the effects of the action.
“The Ministry of Health commends the nurses and midwives who have chosen not to engage in any industrial action and sincerely appeals to the GRNMA to rescind their decision,” the statement concluded.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Risa Wyettey Cofie
