The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has expressed deep disappointment over the postponement of a crucial meeting with the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health—calling it a blatant reprise of the "same gimmicks" that previously provoked a nationwide strike action.

Originally scheduled for June 26, the meeting was unilaterally rescheduled to July 10, a move the association says risks delaying the implementation of agreed demands and could prompt a renewed strike action.

According to Parliamentary Services, the postponement was due to the unavailability of key stakeholders.

The GRNMA described the rescheduling as being done “in bad faith,” warning that it could further stall critical progress.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Desk programme, GRNMA Secretary David Tenkorang explained that the Association agreed to meet with officials out of respect and courtesy, and thanked them for their intervention in the ongoing dispute.

“I just want to bring to the fore that we agreed to attend upon them out of respect, so it was out of courtesy that we met with them. We thank them for the intervention they made. I think it is all in the interest of Mother Ghana,” he said.

However, Mr. Tenkorang lamented the ongoing “back and forth” between stakeholders that initially led to the strike and emphasized the need for the Finance Minister to fully appreciate the situation’s dynamics, particularly the economic impact of the ten-day strike.

“It is this same back and forth that led us to strike. So, if they want to intervene, they must get the Finance Minister to appreciate the dynamics because during the ten days we stayed out, we knew the economic impact. I’m sure they will assess the economic impact,” he stated.

He further stressed the importance of recognizing the economic implications of the days nurses and midwives were out of service as part of their conditions of service.

“We need to take issues in this country seriously. Thankfully, the Committee is doing everything possible to address the matter. I think that the meeting wasn’t necessary because we tabled something, agreed upon it, and it was later postponed. They should bring this to the attention of the Minister for Finance. We will not accept some of these excuses,” Mr. Tenkorang added.

He also criticized the reasons given for the postponement, highlighting the absence of key officials during critical discussions.

“It is the same gimmicks that led to the strike. Today, you go there and they tell you the Minister for Health is not available, the Minister of Finance is not available. After all, when they met our colleagues, it was the Deputy Minister of Finance who was there, What kind of powers can’t be designated to the Deputy Minister of Finance to act on behalf of the sector Minister? How can you do this to the good people of Ghana?"

He emphasized that these repeated postponements only fuel frustration and threaten the progress made, warning firmly, “This endless cycle of excuses and delays cannot continue.”