Member of Parliament for Akim Swedru, Kennedy Osei Nyarko, has criticized the government’s approach to resolving the ongoing strike by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), saying the strategy of recalling retired healthcare workers is misguided and ineffective.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, June 11, the MP expressed concern over what he described as the government’s failure to offer a lasting solution to the nationwide industrial action.
Instead of negotiating a settlement with the striking nurses and midwives, the government is reportedly considering asking retired professionals to return to duty to fill the gap left by the striking workers.
“I don’t think this is the best way the government should deal with the strike action,” Osei Nyarko wrote. “So instead of finding a permanent solution to the ongoing strike, government is rather considering recalling back retired nurses and midwives to return back to work and offer the services of the nurses who are on strike.”
He further stated that such actions set a bad precedent and undermine the rights of workers to demand fair treatment and improved conditions of service.
“I just listened to the Government Spokesperson live at their press conference. We must not encourage such behavior from any government,” the MP added.
The GRNMA strike, which began earlier last week, has crippled health services across the country. At the core of the dispute is the government’s request to defer agreed-upon improvements to the conditions of service until 2026—an offer the association has rejected.
Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has previously confirmed that retired nurses may be called upon to offer temporary relief in the absence of active staff.
But critics, including Osei Nyarko, argue that temporary fixes will only delay the inevitable and worsen trust between government and healthcare professionals.
He is urging the administration to prioritize meaningful negotiations and sustainable agreements with the GRNMA to restore health services fully.
