The Minister for Labour, Employment and Jobs, Dr. Rashid Pelpuo, has urged the leadership of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) to hold off on plans to strike and return to the negotiation table.
Speaking exclusively to our Labour Affairs Correspondent, Daniel Opoku, Dr. Pelpuo stated that a strike at this time could put lives at risk and further strain Ghana’s health sector.
But the Association’s President, Perpetual Ofori Ampofo, insists that any decision to suspend the strike will depend on government action — specifically, the full implementation of their conditions of service.
It’s been nearly 24 hours since the leadership of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association announced plans to withdraw their services, starting next week.
The announcement has created widespread concern, particularly within the health sector, where disruptions could have serious consequences. In a statement, the Minister of Health has urged the Association to reconsider its decision and return to the negotiation table.
But with no sign of compliance, the Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Jobs has stepped in to mediate. Dr. Rashid Pelpuo expressed deep concern over the looming strike.
“We are definitely going to have a word with them. I have had some little discussions with their leaders. I am hoping to have a more elaborate discussions with them to get to understand what we can do to be able to help facilitate the process of them getting them what they want to ensure that we don’t suffer the strike,” the Minister said.
Dr Pelpuo called on the leadership to allow room for negotiations to continue in good faith.
“We must understand that when we embark on a strike it has a total effect on society in whatever sector you belong- it has a direct effect on society, it has a direct impact on our development, it means that employers, stakeholders to come to conclusions where there is no need for a strike. So, definitely as we go along the strike will be neutralized. So, I am requesting them to give more chance to dialogue than to rush into a strike,” he urged.
However, the President of the Nurses and Midwives Association, Perpetual Ofori Ampofo maintains that the government must implement the agreed conditions of service regardless of ongoing calls for dialogue.
“I haven’t seen any letter from the Ministry of employment, but in case there are statements they will be up for consideration. We are asking for what is just and fair. We are asking for what is due us, somebody must speak for us,” she stated.
The Association’s decision has drawn criticism from some groups within the health sector. But the leadership insists their stance represents the collective interests of all nurses and midwives.
“Our interest is the workers, the workers are Nurses and Midwives and what is due them must be fought for. It is our responsibility to fight for them to get it implemented. I don’t think that if anybody was in our shoes they will sit as a leader and will have a lot of agitations happening to the extent that you have even your specialised society, some threatening issues here and there, will just sit aloof and allow things to happen,” Mrs Ampofo stated.
She stressed that the planned strike is not politically motivated.
“Our existence for the past 65 years is not to make any government unpopular. Our interest is to serve the welfare of our members or the generality our Nurses and Midwives that’s all. We are ready to work with any party that comes to power, so we are not antagonistic to any party, we are not aligned to any group or any political party,” the GRNMA President explained.
With tensions mounting and time running out, stakeholders are calling for urgent dialogue to avert a possible nationwide health crisis.
