A coalition of nursing and midwifery unions in Ghana has dissociated itself from the planned industrial action announced by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), scheduled to begin on June 2, 2025.
In a joint statement released on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, the leadership of the Union of Professional Nurses and Midwives, Ghana (UPNMG), the Professional Association of Psychiatric Nurses Ghana (PAPNG), and the National Association of Registered Midwives Ghana (NARM-GH) expressed deep concern over what they described as a “unilateral decision” by GRNMA, which they say contradicts a collective resolution taken just a day prior.
They noted that in a meeting held on May 27, 2025, the unions unanimously agreed that no industrial action would take place until further consultations were completed with their respective executives and members.
The focus of those consultations is to evaluate the proposed roadmap for implementing the Collective Agreement (CA) on Conditions of Service (COS) and to engage with the Minister of Finance, a meeting that has not yet occurred.
The statement criticized GRNMA’s announcement as undermining professional unity and cooperation within the sector.
The unions reaffirmed their commitment to achieving the objectives of the Collective Agreement but emphasized that progress must come through dialogue, mutual respect, and coordinated efforts rather than unilateral moves.
They warned that such independent actions could weaken their collective bargaining power and negatively impact the welfare of health professionals.
The joint statement outlined three key points:
1.UPNMG, PAPNG, NARM-GH, and GRMA are not part of the industrial action declared by GRNMA.
2.All members are urged to remain at post and continue delivering essential health services.
3.The unions remain committed to engaging key stakeholders including the Ministry of Health and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission to ensure a timely and coordinated implementation of the CA.
They called on GRNMA to reconsider its position and honour the consensus reached just 24 hours prior. This they said it’s a critical moment for responsible leadership, unity of purpose, and strategic solidarity in Ghana’s nursing and midwifery landscape.
By: Nana Antwi Boasiako
