The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has escalated its industrial action to a full-scale strike, beginning June 9, 2025, following unsuccessful negotiations with the government regarding improved working conditions. The decision comes after initial warnings and partial service withdrawals failed to yield the desired response from authorities.

Background and Demands

The strike stems from the government’s delay in implementing the provisions outlined in the 2024 Collective Agreement, which promised improved salaries, better working conditions, and enhanced welfare packages for nurses and midwives. The leadership of GRNMA argues that despite multiple engagements with policymakers, key agreements remain unfulfilled, leaving healthcare professionals frustrated and under-resourced.

“The government must honor its commitments,” GRNMA President, Perpetua Sallah, stated during a press briefing in Accra. “We have exhausted all diplomatic channels. Our members deserve fair remuneration and decent working conditions to serve the Ghanaian populace effectively.”

Impact on Healthcare Services

Hospitals and clinics nationwide have begun feeling the strain, with emergency services bearing the brunt of the industrial action. Reports indicate that many outpatient departments have shut down entirely, forcing patients to seek alternative healthcare options. Medical facilities in Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale—some of the country’s busiest healthcare centers—are struggling to maintain critical services.

Government hospitals are deploying physician assistants and military medical personnel to handle emergency cases, but the absence of experienced nurses and midwives is worsening delays in patient care. Pregnant women needing prenatal consultations and patients requiring routine medical attention are among those most affected.

Government Response and Legal Action

In response, the Ministry of Health has urged the GRNMA to reconsider its stance, stressing that the strike poses severe risks to public health. The National Labour Commission (NLC) secured a court injunction against the strike, arguing that it contravenes labor laws due to its direct impact on essential services. However, GRNMA insists it has not received formal legal notification to halt its action and maintains that its demands remain unmet.

Health Minister Dr. Kwaku Afriyie stated, “While we understand the concerns raised, halting healthcare services altogether is not the solution. The government is willing to engage further, but we urge nurses and midwives to resume duty as discussions continue.”

Public Reaction and Calls for Resolution

Public outcry has intensified as patients are left stranded. Civil society organizations and advocacy groups have joined calls for immediate dialogue to resolve the standoff, urging both the government and GRNMA to reach a compromise.

Economic experts warn that prolonged industrial action could strain the nation’s productivity, especially with rising healthcare costs for private treatment. Meanwhile, ordinary citizens, particularly those in rural areas, have expressed deep concerns over their inability to access proper healthcare.

Next Steps and Potential Resolution

As the strike enters a full-scale phase, stakeholders are pushing for urgent intervention. GRNMA has hinted at further action if demands are ignored, while the government is expected to hold emergency meetings to address the crisis.

Healthcare professionals insist that a resolution must prioritize long-term improvements to nurses’ working conditions rather than temporary fixes. For now, Ghanaians brace for extended disruptions, hoping both parties will reach an agreement that safeguards the nation’s healthcare system.