A high-stakes meeting between the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health, and the government has ended on a positive note, with the government agreeing to grant two of the allowances demanded by the association.

The meeting, facilitated by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health, was aimed at finding a lasting solution to the dispute over the implementation of the GRNMA's 2024 Conditions of Service.

At the meeting, the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, acknowledged the GRNMA’s concerns and demands, and reiterated the government’s commitment to further consultation and engagement. He emphasised the need for mutual respect and cooperation, while highlighting the progress made thus far in negotiations.

The Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health, Naawane Kurt Mark, led a constructive discussion and assured the GRNMA of the committee’s neutrality and readiness to help facilitate a resolution.

“We are committed to finding a solution that works for all parties involved. We urge continued engagement and collaboration to address the concerns and demands of the GRNMA,” he said.

GRNMA President, Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, stressed the importance of implementing key allowances to enhance the welfare, motivation, and retention of nurses and midwives. However, the association expressed disappointment with the government’s proposals, which they considered unsatisfactory.

Leaders of the association agreed to inform their members of the government's position and the outcome of the meeting.

The Chief Executive of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), Dr George Smith-Graham, assured the association that engagement on the outstanding issues would begin soon. He clarified that this would not be a renegotiation, but a process to address the remaining demands.

The FWSC has scheduled the next round of discussions with the GRNMA for Tuesday.

Both parties, at the end of the meeting, agreed to continue engagements and work collaboratively to resolve the impasse, expressing optimism for an outcome that benefits nurses and midwives across Ghana.

Background

The GRNMA embarked on a nationwide strike on June 4, 2025, citing the government's failure to honour agreements reached on May 20, 2024. Despite the National Labour Commission declaring the strike illegal, the GRNMA continued the industrial action until their concerns were addressed. Following appeals from the government and the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health, the association suspended its strike on June 14, 2025, pending further negotiations.