The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has announced the immediate suspension of its nationwide strike after productive negotiations with government stakeholders.
At a virtual press conference held on Friday, June 13, GRNMA President Mrs. Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo confirmed the decision, noting that discussions with the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health and other key actors had been “very fruitful” and paved the way for “an amicable resolution of the impasse.”
The strike, which began on June 4 and intensified to a full withdrawal of services by June 9, brought Ghana’s public healthcare services to a standstill. Patients were left stranded, emergency wards overwhelmed, and elective procedures postponed across the country.
Mrs. Ofori-Ampofo revealed that the industrial action triggered by delays in implementing the 2024 Collective Agreement was suspended pending a follow-up meeting on June 26. Provisions at the heart of the dispute included rural, fuel, uniform, and 30-month allowances.
“We do not take delight in seeing our patients suffer,” she emphasized. “However, we cannot take good care of others when the system does not take good care of us.”
She directed the over 120,000 affected nurses and midwives to return to work on Saturday, June 14, while assuring members that the leadership remains committed to full enforcement of the agreement.
The government, citing fiscal constraints and a GH¢2 billion price tag for the agreement, had initially proposed a phased approach with implementation beginning in the 2026 budget. This prompted widespread criticism and resistance from the GRNMA.
In response, both the Deputy Finance Minister, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, and the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, appealed to the health professionals to resume work while negotiations continued.
Mrs. Ofori-Ampofo reiterated GRNMA’s apolitical stance, highlighting that in its 65-year history, the association has worked with successive governments to strengthen Ghana’s health system. “We urge the public to avoid misinformation, disinformation, and propaganda on matters of national importance,” she said.
She concluded by thanking Parliament, healthcare professionals, and the media for their solidarity and commitment to finding a solution. As healthcare workers return to their posts, a gradual return to normalcy is expected in hospitals and clinics across the country.
