The Ministry of Health has urged the leadership of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) to rescind its decision to embark on industrial action beginning from Monday June 2, whilst the minister continues to engage all stakeholders involved.
The Ministry noted that using the lives of patients as leverage in the demand for the implementation of a collective bargaining agreement is not the appropriate course of action.
Over 128,000 nurses and midwives across Ghana are set to withdraw their services if their demands are not met.
The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association says it is disappointed with the government’s delay in implementing their signed Conditions of Service since May 2024 through the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission.
The agreement was designed to enhance the welfare of nurses and midwives nationwide, including a 20 percent allowance for those who accept postings to deprived areas. But one year later, the implementation has stalled.
The statement issued by the Ministry on May 28, however, expressed shock and surprise at the turn of events.
” The Ministry is shocked and surprised by this turn of events, especially in light of the numerous engagements the Honourable Minister for Health has had with the leadership of the GRNMA on this very matter. It is a well-known fact that under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, significant strides were made in improving the welfare of nurses and other health workers, including the historic introduction and implementation of the first-ever Conditions of Service for health workers in 2015,” parts of the statement read.
It added that, “Since assuming office, the Honourable Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has met with the leadership of the GRNMA on more than five occasions. The reviewed Conditions of Service were scheduled to take effect in 2024, under the erstwhile administration but unfortunately, implementation was delayed. At the last meeting it was agreed that a committee comprising representatives from the GRNMA, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Health be established to continue the process.”
The Ministry said it has demonstrated good faith in this matter and urged the leadership of the GRNMA to reciprocate for the benefit of Ghana’s health sector.
