The former President of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), Dr. Kwaku Asante-Krobea, has strongly criticized the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, over his handling of the ongoing nurses’ strike, describing his approach as disrespectful and harmful to patients.
In an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Dr. Asante-Krobea accused the Minister of worsening the crisis through insensitive comments and a lack of urgency.
“The Minister owes nurses an apology, not because they’ve done anything wrong, but because of the poor treatment they’ve received. His tone has been dismissive and insulting. That is not how to lead,” he stated.
He further condemned the Health Ministry’s failure to engage meaningfully with the striking nurses. According to him, the Ministry appears to be “playing games” rather than addressing the nurses’ legitimate demands.
“Leadership means meeting people halfway. Even if their full demands can’t be met, there should be fair negotiation, not public ridicule,” he emphasized.
Dr. Asante-Krobea also reacted to the Minister’s June 10 press conference, during which Mr. Akandoh appealed to retired nurses and midwives to temporarily volunteer in hospitals amid the strike. He called the suggestion misguided and accused the Minister of shifting blame.
“If patients are dying, it’s not because nurses are on strike; it’s due to the government’s inaction. Nurses are simply standing up for their rights,” he said.
Calling the Minister’s comments “regrettable and insulting,” Dr. Asante-Krobea urged him to return to the negotiation table with sincerity and respect. He concluded by encouraging nurses to remain steadfast and calling on the government to adopt a more constructive and empathetic approach to resolving the impasse.
