The Ministry of Health has called on the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) to reconsider its ongoing nationwide industrial action, reaffirming its commitment to resolving outstanding issues related to the implementation of the 2024 Collective Agreement.

In a press release signed by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Tony Goodman, the government outlined measures taken to address their concerns.

According to the statement, the Ministry convened a stakeholder meeting on 30th May 2025 involving all key associations in the nursing fraternity, including the GRNMA, Union of Professional Nurses and Midwives (UPNMG), Ghana Registered Midwives Association (GRMA), National Association of Registered Midwives (NARM-G), Psychiatric Nurses Association of Ghana (PAPNG), and the Nurses and Midwives Educators Society.

During the meeting, all groups reportedly advocated for the immediate implementation of the 2024 Collective Agreement, which has yet to be enforced. In response, Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, reaffirmed his commitment to improving the welfare of nurses and midwives.

He proposed the establishment of a three-member committee comprising representatives from the nursing groups, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Health to resolve the matter definitively.

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The Ministry states that all the unions, except the GRNMA, have pledged to continue rendering healthcare services to the public while discussions progress.

To mitigate the potential impact of the GRNMA’s strike, the Ministry has instituted a series of directives:

• Security agencies will safeguard nurses and midwives who have committed to continue working.
• Hospital managers, particularly Directors of Nursing Services and their Deputies, are to remain present at all times during the industrial action.
• Unit heads are instructed to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services, particularly for maternity and emergency care.
• Ambulance services across all districts are to remain on standby.
• Health facilities are required to establish emergency coordination structures and maintain links with ambulance services.
• The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service and heads of teaching hospitals are to report daily on service delivery to the Acting Chief Director.
• The Ministry will liaise with quasi-government health facilities to accommodate any surge in patient numbers.
• Rotational nurses and those currently undergoing clinical training have been advised against joining the strike.
• The Ministry will continue to monitor developments and ensure the provision of essential logistics.

The Ministry commended nurses and midwives who have opted not to participate in the industrial action and extended a sincere appeal to the GRNMA to reconsider its decision for the greater good of public health delivery.

“We urge the GRNMA to rescind its decision and continue engaging in dialogue with us to reach a lasting resolution,” Mr. Goodman said.