The Ashanti Regional branch of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has accused the Ministry of Health of attempting to sabotage its planned industrial action through internal interference and undue influence on member unions.

The accusation comes as the association defied an invitation to meet with the Minister of Health to discuss their concerns further, signalling their intent to press ahead with the strike.

In a surprising development, four key nursing and midwifery unions have distanced themselves from the industrial action, which was scheduled to commence today, Monday, June 2. The decision by these unions to withdraw support has sparked allegations of governmental interference.

At the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, the strike is visibly taking shape, with nurses and midwives wearing red armbands in protest against what they describe as delays in addressing their concerns.

Speaking to JoyNews, Philmon Adu Brempong, First Deputy Chairman of the GRNMA in the Ashanti Region, expressed frustration over the Ministry's conduct. He alleged that the Ministry is deliberately attempting to weaken the association’s position in the ongoing advocacy for improved conditions of service.

He called on members of the association to remain resolute and united in their stance, stressing the importance of maintaining full compliance with the strike action until their demands are addressed satisfactorily.

JoyNews' Hannah Odame who visited some health facilities in Accra to assess the start of the strike reported that whereas some nurses and midwives had their red arm bands on, others did not show signs that they had joined in the strike.