The Ministry of Health has responded to the ongoing industrial action declared by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), which began on June 2, 2025.
In a press release, the Ministry outlined steps taken so far to address the concerns raised by the GRNMA and other nursing groups, particularly regarding the delayed implementation of the 2024 Collective Agreement.
The Ministry cited that a crucial meeting was held on May 30, 2025, with all relevant nursing associations, including the GRNMA, the Union of Professional Nurses and Midwives (UPNMG), the Ghana Registered Midwives Association (GRMA), and other specialized nursing bodies. The discussions centered on the delayed implementation of the Collective Agreement, which was signed in 2024 but never enforced.
The Ministry stated that all the associations present forcefully advocated for the immediate enforcement of the agreement, emphasizing its importance for the welfare of nurses and midwives nationwide.
Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to prioritizing the well-being of healthcare workers and proposed the formation of a three-member team.
This team would include representatives from the nurses’ unions, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Health to oversee the resolution of the matter. While most of the associations accepted the proposal and pledged to continue providing services to the public, the GRNMA stood out by not committing to this, raising concerns over potential industrial action.
To reduce the impact of this action, the Ministry outlined directives aimed at maintaining uninterrupted healthcare delivery. These measures include:
1. Deployment of security personnel to support nurses who continue to work.
2. Mandatory presence of nursing directors and deputies at all health facilities.
3. Activation of emergency response systems, including ambulance services.
4. Daily reporting from heads of agencies on service delivery.
5. Engagement with quasi-government health facilities to handle potential surges in patient numbers.
6. Advising rotational and clinical nurses to refrain from industrial action.
7.Continuous monitoring and logistics provision by the Ministry.
The Ministry also commended the nursing and midwifery groups that have chosen not to join any industrial action and appealed to the GRNMA to reconsider its stance for the sake of public health and patient care.
