The Minister of Health Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has called for calm and urged continued dialogue as the nationwide strike by nurses and midwives enters its second week, warning that immediate implementation of their demands could derail Ghana’s economic recovery.
Addressing a joint press conference with the Ministry of Finance at the Jubilee House on Tuesday, Mr. Akandoh acknowledged the legitimacy of the concerns raised by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) but cautioned that the financial implications of their demands pose a significant threat to the national economy.
“Government wishes to stress its readiness to further engage with the view to implementing the conditions of service in a manner that does not dislocate the national economy,” he stated.
He clarified that the agreed Conditions of Service, signed in May 2024 and slated for implementation in July 2024, were not included in the 2025 national budget due to unforeseen legal challenges.
A court injunction filed by a splinter group had stalled implementation, citing lack of consultation and dissatisfaction with the agreement.
The legal dispute was only resolved in January 2025, during the transition to the current administration.
Mr. Akandoh expressed concern that introducing such substantial unbudgeted expenditure could undermine recent fiscal gains.
“We are mindful of the economic consequences of unbudgeted expenditure and want to avoid the economic slippages that led to instability in the recent past,” he said.
However, GRNMA leadership insists that the government was aware of their demands well ahead of the budget’s preparation.
According to the association, they engaged in multiple meetings with government representatives, including the health minister, and were assured that their concerns would be reflected in the national budget.
Background
The strike, which began on June 3, was declared by the GRNMA and its allied associations following months of failed negotiations with the government.
At the heart of the dispute are demands for improved conditions of service, including increased allowances, risk benefits, and support for rural postings.
The ongoing industrial action has significantly disrupted healthcare delivery across the country, with hospitals and clinics operating with minimal staff.
Emergency cases are being prioritised, but many patients in public health facilities have reported delays and cancelled appointments.
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