Talks between the Government of Ghana and the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) have seen encouraging progress, as both parties continue efforts to resolve the ongoing industrial action.
The negotiations, facilitated by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health, brought together officials from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Finance, and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), alongside representatives from GRNMA.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to reconvene in two weeks to further discuss the implementation of the 2024 Collective Agreement. During the dialogue, the government appealed to the striking nurses and midwives to resume work and return to the negotiation table, citing the importance of maintaining healthcare services while discussions continue.
“We acknowledge the concerns of the nurses and midwives, but urge them to reconsider their decision and allow dialogue to proceed,” a government representative stated. “Constructive engagement is the only sustainable path to resolution.”
GRNMA declared an indefinite strike on June 4, 2025, citing delays in the implementation of their 2024 Conditions of Service, which were originally agreed upon on May 20, 2024.
Despite a ruling by the National Labour Commission declaring the strike unlawful, the Association has maintained its position, insisting that tangible commitments must be made before the strike is suspended.
“Our members feel deeply aggrieved by the continuous delay in honoring our agreement,” a spokesperson for GRNMA said. “We will not abandon this strike until there is a clear path forward on our conditions of service.”
The Parliamentary Select Committee on Health expressed its appreciation for the dialogue and reiterated its commitment to ensuring that both sides reach a fair and timely resolution.
“We understand the frustrations of our nurses and midwives and remain committed to mediating a solution that respects their concerns while acknowledging government’s fiscal constraints,” said the Committee Chair.
While the government has cited budgetary limitations as a key obstacle to the immediate implementation of the new conditions, both sides agreed to continue working towards a mutually acceptable resolution in the coming weeks.
It is recalled that on June 11 the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health has invited the President of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), Mrs Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, for a meeting to discuss the ongoing strike by members of the Association.
According to a letter sighted by 3news, the meeting was scheduled to take place on Thursday June 12.
“I extend to you the compliments of the Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health. On behalf of the Committee, I respectfully invite your leadership to a stakeholder meeting to deliberate on the ongoing strike action declared by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), and to discuss possible pathways towards its resolution,” a part of the letter signed by the Principal Assistant Clerk, Mrs Eunice Korantemaa Abeka reads.
“We believe that dialogue and collaboration are key to finding a mutually beneficial solution,” it added.
“Meeting details are as follows: Date: Thursday, 12th June, 2025 Time: 10:00a.m. Venue: 6W Floor West-Job 600, Parliament House,” the letter further indicated.
