The Deputy Minister of Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has called on nurses and midwives engaged in industrial action to resume negotiations with the government.
The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) initiated a nationwide strike on Tuesday, June 4, significantly disrupting healthcare services across more than 300 public hospitals and clinics in all 16 regions of Ghana.
Thousands of patients are currently affected, with emergency units operating at minimal capacity and scheduled surgeries postponed indefinitely. The strike stems from unresolved issues related to the delayed implementation of the 2024 Collective Agreement, which covers conditions of service, salaries, and other critical employment terms.
Acknowledging the vital role of nurses and midwives in Ghana’s healthcare system, Deputy Minister Ampem emphasized the importance of dialogue. However, he highlighted the nation’s current economic constraints, warning that fulfilling the demands of the striking healthcare workers could require an additional GH¢2 billion in the national budget, an amount that could strain Ghana’s fiscal resources.
Speaking during a joint press briefing with the Minister of Health, Mr. Nyarko Ampem stated, “Our nurses are essential to healthcare delivery, and we deeply appreciate their contributions.”
Yet, he stressed that the government must balance these demands with the country’s broader economic stability.
Economic Challenges and Fiscal Constraints
The Deputy Minister explained that the government’s fiscal consolidation efforts are constrained by Ghana’s economic realities. Increasing the compensation budget by GH¢2 billion could account for over 10% of the health sector’s annual budget or fund multiple infrastructure projects crucial to improving healthcare delivery.
He added that Ghana is committed to maintaining macroeconomic stability, especially under the ongoing IMF Extended Credit Facility (ECF) program.
“We aim to sustain a primary balance surplus of 1.5% annually to bring our debt levels to sustainable thresholds,” he said. Currently, Ghana’s public debt-to-GDP ratio hovers around 75%, underscoring the need for strict expenditure management.
Call for Negotiated Solutions and Phased Implementation
The Deputy Minister appealed to healthcare professionals to understand the economic context and expressed the government’s willingness to negotiate.
“We are open to discussing a roadmap that incorporates what can be accommodated in next year’s budget,” he stated. This approach may involve the phased implementation of new conditions of service, spread across multiple fiscal years, to ensure fiscal discipline while addressing nurses’ concerns.
A Path Toward Mutual Understanding
Mr. Nyarko Ampem emphasized the government’s commitment to resolving the industrial action through constructive dialogue. He urged nurses and midwives to collaborate with the Ministry of Health to find sustainable solutions that balance workers’ needs with Ghana’s economic realities.
As Ghana continues to navigate economic reforms, the government remains focused on maintaining fiscal stability while ensuring the sustainability of essential public services, including healthcare.
