The leadership of four major professional nursing and midwifery associations in Ghana has welcomed what they describe as “meaningful progress” in negotiations with the government over conditions of service, and are now urging striking members of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) to return to work.
In a joint statement dated 12 June 2025, the Union of Professional Nurses and Midwives, Ghana (UPNMG), the Professional Association of Psychiatric Nurses, Ghana (PAPNG), the Ghana Registered Midwives Association (GRMA), and the National Association of Registered Midwives, Ghana (NARM-G), described the development as a victory for constructive dialogue.
“This is a time to unite our efforts, protect the integrity of our profession, and demonstrate to the nation that nurses and midwives stand for both advocacy and responsibility,” the statement said.
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The associations emphasised that their strategy of sustained dialogue and professionalism—rather than industrial action; had proven more effective in securing sustainable outcomes for their members. They praised their members for remaining at post and ensuring continuity of care during the ongoing strike by the GRNMA.
“Your dedication has brought credibility to our cause and played a critical role in securing these achievements,” they noted, commending those who continued to serve in spite of rising tensions in the health sector.
The joint statement urged calm and unity among all stakeholders and promised to update members on further developments as discussions with the government continue.
This call comes amid a nationwide strike by GRNMA members, which began after months of delay in the implementation of a 2024 collective agreement. The strike has severely affected healthcare delivery across the country, drawing responses from Parliament, the National Labour Commission (NLC), and civil society.
Meanwhile, the NLC has declared the GRNMA strike illegal, citing procedural lapses, and the government has appealed to striking health workers to return to work while negotiations continue. The latest appeal by fellow professional associations signals a growing internal push within the nursing and midwifery community to restore full services across health facilities.
As the nation awaits a possible resolution, observers say the progress reported by the other unions could provide a roadmap for resolving the broader impasse with the GRNMA.
Below is a copy of the statement:
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Risa Wyettey Cofie
