GHS urges Nurses, Midwives to end strike
By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi
The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, has appealed to the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) to reconsider their ongoing nationwide strike, citing its adverse impact on healthcare delivery across the country.
Addressing journalists at a media briefing on Wednesday, June 4, Prof. Akoriyea acknowledged the legitimacy of the concerns raised by the nurses and midwives but stressed that continued industrial action is disrupting critical services in hospitals and health centers nationwide.
“We acknowledge the concerns raised by our hardworking nurses and midwives. But I am appealing for a reconsideration of the strike action, especially given the severe impact on healthcare delivery across the country,” he said.
The strike, declared by the GRNMA over what it describes as the government’s failure to fully implement the 2024 Collective Agreement on conditions of service, has already affected operations at many health facilities. Reports indicate that outpatient departments in some public hospitals are overwhelmed, while some patients have been turned away due to a lack of staff.
Prof. Akoriyea urged the GRNMA leadership to return to the negotiating table to resolve the matter through peaceful dialogue.
“Let’s put the health and lives of our people first. We are ready to engage the GRNMA to find a lasting solution. Dialogue is the way forward,” he said.
He warned that the prolonged strike risks reversing some of the gains made in the health sector and urged all stakeholders to act in the interest of the public.
The Ghana Health Service says it is monitoring the situation closely and has put in place contingency plans to maintain basic healthcare services, especially in critical units such as maternity wards and emergency centers.
However, the leadership of the GRNMA remains resolute, insisting the strike will continue until all outstanding issues related to the collective agreement are fully addressed.
The association has also accused the government of failing to show good faith in previous negotiations.
