As pressure mounts over a looming nurses’ strike, the Ministry of Health has reaffirmed its commitment to resolving tensions with the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), following the union’s announcement of a road map toward industrial action.
The Ministry, in a detailed public statement, outlined recent interventions aimed at addressing long-standing grievances while maintaining essential health services across the country.
The GRNMA, along with several sister associations, has been pushing for the implementation of a Collective Agreement signed in 2024 but yet to be effected.
The agreement outlines improved conditions of service for nurses and midwives, whose representatives say they have waited too long for action.
In response to the growing discontent, the Ministry convened a high-level meeting with all recognized associations in the nursing profession.
“On May 30th, 2025, the Ministry of Health met all Associations in the nursing fraternity, including the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), the Union of Professional Nurses and Midwives (UPNMG), the Ghana Registered Midwives Association (GRMA), the National Association of Registered Midwives (NARM-G), the Psychiatric Nurses Association, Ghana (PAPNG), and the Nurses and Midwives Educators Society.
“At the meetings, all the groups presented their cases forcefully in favour of implementing the Collective Agreement in the interest of nurses and midwives in the country. It’s important to note that this agreement was signed in 2024 but was never implemented.”
Ministry of Health
The Ministry stated that Health Minister Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh emphasized his commitment to improving the conditions of nurses and midwives.
As part of efforts to resolve the ongoing dispute, he suggested setting up a three-member committee, with each member representing the nursing groups, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Health.
This team would be responsible for concluding negotiations and reaching a workable solution to the standoff.
Emergency Measures to Prevent Service Disruption
Despite the GRNMA’s continued intention to proceed with industrial action, the Ministry noted that all other nursing groups accepted the proposal and pledged to continue rendering health services to the public.
In anticipation of potential disruptions due to the nurses’ strike, the Ministry has activated contingency measures.
Security agencies have been tasked with protecting nurses who opt to remain at their posts, and hospital managers—especially Directors of Nursing Services—have been directed to maintain full presence during any strike period.
“Heads of the various units should ensure that continuous healthcare services, including maternity and emergency care, are available at all health facilities. The Ambulance Service should be on standby in all the Districts to support emergency services.”
Ministry of Health
Furthermore, all health facilities have been instructed to establish coordinating units to manage emergencies and maintain communication with ambulance services.
Daily reports on service delivery are to be submitted by the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, CEOs, and Medical Directors of teaching hospitals to the Acting Chief Director.
The Ministry also confirmed plans to collaborate with quasi-governmental health institutions to handle increased patient loads that may result from the strike.
Rotational nurses and those undergoing mandatory clinicals have been explicitly advised to refrain from participating in the industrial action.
The Ministry emphasized it will continue to monitor the situation and ensure the availability of necessary logistics to mitigate the impact of any strike action on the healthcare system.
Ministry Appeals for Unity Amid Looming Nurses’ Strike
In a final appeal, the Ministry expressed gratitude to those nurses and midwives who have chosen not to participate in the industrial action, describing their decision as an act of commitment to the nation’s health and well-being.
“The Ministry of Health…appeals to the GRNMA to rescind their decision to proceed with the announced industrial action, as we collaborate to find a solution to the matter.”
Ministry of Health
With public concern rising over the possible consequences of a full-blown nurses’ strike, attention now turns to whether the GRNMA will reconsider its stance or proceed with action that could significantly disrupt healthcare delivery nationwide.
The Ministry’s approach appears to hinge on ongoing dialogue, institutional support, and strong appeals to professional duty—all in the hope of averting a crisis.
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