As the nurses’ strike continues, the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has affirmed its readiness to engage in dialogue with the government, while stressing that the fundamental rights and entitlements of its members must be upheld and implemented.
According to the association’s General Secretary, David Tenkorang, there has been a concerning silence from critical stakeholders in government.
“We have not heard anything from the sector minister, nor have we heard anything from the Minister for Finance. As far as we are concerned, we are still on our course of action.
“It’s being said that an injunction has been placed on us, but we have not received any such communication. So, as far as we are concerned, nothing has changed. We are still on our path.”
David Tenkorang
The nurses’ strike gained momentum in recent days, with public hospitals operating at reduced capacity, placing additional strain on Ghana’s already overstretched health system.
The situation prompted the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission to step in and initiate talks.
GRNMA confirmed receipt of an invitation to a meeting, following internal consultations.
“We had an emergency meeting yesterday, and the decision was to honour the invitation. However, it’s clear to us that this is a tactic that has been used by the employer over the years.”
David Tenkorang
Meanwhile, the ongoing nurses’ strike in Ghana has brought the nation’s healthcare sector into sharp focus, as the GRNMA intensifies its demand for the full implementation of the 2024 Collective Agreement.
The strike, which began on June 2, 2025, underscores the growing frustration among nurses and midwives over stalled negotiations on salaries, allowances, and working conditions.
At the heart of the dispute is what the association describes as persistent government inaction and a lack of transparency.
Nurses’ Strike Drags On As Doubts Linger
Despite agreeing to participate in the talks, the association remains wary of government motives, suspecting the meeting may be used as a cover to deliver legal documents intended to block the strike.
Tenkorang warned that these maneuvers have long been part of what he called a predictable and frustrating playbook.
“There is a blueprint. When we begin to assert our legitimate rights, the employer rushes to the Labour Commission, which then proceeds to court to seek an injunction. The process is frozen, and everyone goes back to sleep. That’s why nurses and midwives remain in poverty today.”
David Tenkorang
Nonetheless, GRNMA will proceed with the meeting out of professional courtesy and a desire to exhaust all diplomatic options.
“We will attend the meeting, but it’s clear they are just looking for an opportunity to serve us with an injunction. I don’t believe anything productive will come out of it. But still, let’s give the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission the benefit of the doubt.”
David Tenkorang
The first leg of the meeting is expected to take place at the Ministry of Finance, followed by a continuation at the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission.
GRNMA insisted that despite the absence of some executives due to the strike, the association remains fully operational and prepared to represent its members effectively.
“The meeting will be held in person. And let’s not forget — this is a formidable organisation. We have nine national executives. If two are away, it doesn’t mean the association is inactive. We have very experienced hands at home who can handle any responsibility given.”
David Tenkorang
While the government is yet to issue a detailed public response, pressure is mounting from civil society and health advocates who fear the consequences of prolonged industrial action, especially in rural and under-resourced areas.
The 2024 Collective Agreement, which is at the center of the nurses strike, was designed to address key demands, including fair remuneration, housing allowances, risk-related bonuses, and better staffing ratios.
Its delay in implementation has become a rallying point for health workers who feel marginalized by successive administrations.
Tenkorang concluded by reiterating that the association will not abandon its responsibilities to its members. He said GRNMA is open to constructive dialogue but will not hesitate to take decisive action if its demands are not met.
This strike serves as a critical test of government-labour relations in Ghana’s healthcare sector, and many will be watching to see whether the upcoming meetings produce meaningful resolutions or simply prolong an already volatile impasse.
