Political writer and diplomat, Nana Yaw Sarpong has called for measured patience as the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) embarks on a strike, stressing that the newly sworn-in government must be allowed time to thoroughly assess and address the group’s conditions of service.
His remarks come amid growing public discourse over delays in implementing aspects of the collective agreement between the nurses and the government.
Speaking candidly, Sarpong challenged the expectation that the new administration under President John Dramani Mahama could instantly implement agreements made before it assumed office.
Drawing parallels with corporate transitions, he explained that no management team can immediately act on inherited commitments without first conducting a review.
“If there was an issue with your HR department where a new collective agreement was birthed alongside the time of implementation, and yet there is a change in management – Do you think that when they come, the new managers would just holistically pick the collective agreement and just sign it without going through? Without inviting you to a roundtable discussion? You think that is possible?”
Nana Yaw Sarpong, Political Writer and Diplomat
The strike by the GRNMA, one of the most critical health sector actions in recent times, has raised concerns about service delivery and patient care in public health facilities. However, Sarpong insists the government’s willingness to engage is evident and must be seen as a commitment rather than neglect.
Sarpong praised the Minister for Health, Hon. Mintah Akandoh, for publicly recognizing the legitimacy of the nurses’ demands as outlined in the collective agreement. According to him, the minister’s approach exemplifies maturity in governance.
“Hon. Mintah Akandoh, has exhibited some very high sense of responsibility – agreeing and accepting the fact that indeed what they have stated in the collective agreement, they do deserve”
Nana Yaw Sarpong, Political Writer and Diplomat
He also noted that the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service has echoed similar sentiments, affirming the widespread awareness of the situation among Ghanaians.
Need for Due Diligence
Sarpong was emphatic that policy changes, especially those involving remuneration and logistics in the public sector, require in-depth scrutiny; understanding the underlying financial implications before taking action.
“They need to study what is on the table – whether or not it is sustainable and where to even find the funds to be able to push it”
Nana Yaw Sarpong, Political Writer and Diplomat
He suggested that while the nurses’ grievances are legitimate, timing and context must inform the nation’s expectations. He also urged the leadership of the GRNMA to be mindful of their “body language and responsiveness” with such matters.
Sarpong emphasized that the government does not dispute the nurses’ demands and recognizes the sacrifices they continue to make. He underscored that the administration supports the health workers and shares their frustration where appropriate.
“I said that if indeed they are buying their own uniforms, it is in bad faith, because the government should be doing it for them. So we agree with them, we understand them and we appreciate whatever they are doing”
Nana Yaw Sarpong, Political Writer and Diplomat
While the timeline for implementing the revised conditions remains uncertain, Sarpong urged the GRNMA and the public to interpret current developments within the broader reality of governmental transition and fiscal planning.
“If you’ve been able to wait for six to seven months and a new manager has taken over the economy, one that needed about three to four months to settle down, to form a government – Don’t you think that they deserve a little time after they have settled to be able to deal with your matters?”
Nana Yaw Sarpong, Political Writer and Diplomat
In his concluding remarks, he reiterated that the administration, under President Mahama, is not indifferent but deliberate in seeking a comprehensive and lasting resolution. “Government wishes to resolve all their issues but it will take time.”
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