Accra, Ghana – The Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has made a passionate plea to members of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) to end their ongoing industrial strike and resume duties in order to protect the health and well-being of Ghanaians.
Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday, the minister emphasized the crucial role nurses and midwives play in delivering healthcare across the country. “We understand the concerns raised by our health professionals, but I am appealing to their sense of duty and compassion for patients, especially vulnerable groups like pregnant women, children, and the elderly,” he said.
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The strike, which began earlier this week, stems from grievances related to delayed implementation of negotiated conditions of service, including better allowances and improved working conditions. GRNMA leadership maintains that repeated engagements with government officials have failed to yield concrete results, leaving them with no choice but to withdraw their services.
Hospitals and clinics nationwide have already reported disruptions to healthcare delivery, with some facilities forced to scale down operations due to the absence of key staff. Patients seeking care have been turned away in many districts, heightening public anxiety.
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Hon. Akandoh assured the striking health workers that the government is actively working to resolve their issues through dialogue and collaboration with relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Finance and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission. He reiterated the government’s commitment to honoring its obligations and urged the GRNMA to return to the negotiation table.
“I am confident that with open dialogue and goodwill on both sides, we can reach a solution that satisfies everyone without compromising the health of our people,” the minister added.
Meanwhile, health advocacy groups and civil society organizations have also called for a swift resolution to the impasse, stressing the need to avoid a public health crisis amid ongoing pressures on Ghana’s healthcare system.