The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has taken a strong stance against what it describes as nurse intimidation tactics being employed by the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) in response to recent industrial action.
A circular issued by CHAG on June 30, 2025, titled “Request for List of Staff”, was widely distributed to its member facilities. According to the GRNMA, the document outlines plans to penalize nurses and midwives who participated in the recent strike organized by the Association.
Details from the circular, which surfaced after an executive briefing between CHAG leadership and facility heads, suggest efforts to gather information about staff members who took part in the industrial action.
“CHAG’s reported intentions include: All newly posted staff who participated in the strike should be sent back to CHAG for reposting; staff in management position should be demoted; all HODs who participated in the strike should be taken off; all allowances for in May for those who participated in the strike should not be paid to them; other special benefits e.g. responsibility allowance, accommodation, vehicle.”
Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA)
According to the GRNMA, additional punitive actions outlined by CHAG include delaying promotions for staff who joined the strike, regardless of their eligibility based on years of service.
The criteria for advancement, CHAG insisted, should focus on performance, conduct, and character rather than time served.
The Association also revealed that CHAG allegedly instructed the Government of Ghana’s payroll controller to suspend one week’s salary for all employees who participated in the industrial action.
GRNMA Condemns Moves As Unlawful
Accordingly, the GRNMA made it clear that these nurse intimidation tactics are unacceptable and deeply troubling.
According to the Association, CHAG’s actions show a disregard for the welfare of nurses and midwives.
“It is evidently clear that the welfare of nurses and midwives does not matter to CHAG as an agency under the Ministry of Health. We want to remind CHAG that all nurses and midwives working in their Faith-Based health facilities are paid by the government of Ghana.”
Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA)
GRNMA leadership emphasized that singling out individuals for exercising their right to protest undermines fundamental principles of justice and fairness.
Such actions, they argued, go against the core values of the nursing and midwifery profession, which are rooted in care, compassion, and unity.
Referring to Section 10(d) of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), the Association highlighted that every worker has the right to join a trade union of their choice and to participate fully in its activities, including legally sanctioned industrial actions.
GRNMA stressed that penalizing staff for engaging in a union-led strike constitutes an unfair labor practice and a direct violation of those rights.
“Despite provisions in sections 162 and 163 of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651) on prohibition of strike by essential service providers, we would like to state that the same law has also placed a responsibility on the employer to give special treatment or attention to the concerns of these category of workers.”
Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA)
The Association stressed that the law does not permit employers to neglect their duties while expecting workers to uphold restrictions outlined in legislation. Legal provisions are designed to be balanced and to ensure fairness for both employers and employees.
Reaffirming its commitment to protect its members, the GRNMA made it clear that it is fully prepared to take decisive action should any retaliatory measures be carried out against nurses or midwives.
As such, the Association pledged to stand firmly with its members in CHAG facilities and stated that it would not hesitate to employ all lawful means, including industrial action, to defend their rights.
GRNMA Urges Calm Among CHAG Nurses
The Association further called on its members to remain calm and composed amidst the ongoing tensions.
It encouraged nurses and midwives working in CHAG facilities to continue performing their duties with professionalism and dedication, despite the unsettling developments.
“We encourage all nurses and midwives working in CHAG facilities to remain calm and go about their duties as is required, as leadership continues to fight for the implementation of our Collective Agreement and protecting our rights as workers.”
Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA)
The GRNMA’s strong reaction has put a spotlight on the growing concerns over nurse intimidation in faith-based healthcare facilities, particularly those under the Christian Health Association of Ghana.
With the government ultimately responsible for the remuneration of these healthcare professionals, many are calling for immediate intervention to prevent further escalation and ensure that fundamental labor rights are not trampled upon.
As the situation unfolds, the public eye will remain fixed on how CHAG and the Ministry of Health respond to the GRNMA’s accusations.
For now, the nation’s nurses and midwives continue to serve under the strain of uncertainty—yet with the solidarity of a union determined to stand its ground.
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