The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has officially suspended its nationwide strike, effective immediately. This development comes after productive negotiations with government representatives and appeals from stakeholders to resolve the impasse.
Strike Suspended After Productive Talks
GRNMA President, Mrs. Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, announced the decision during a virtual press briefing on Friday, June 13, 2025. She explained that a meeting held on Thursday, June 12, with the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health and other key stakeholders led to a positive breakthrough.
“The discussions created a clear path towards implementing our collective bargaining agreement,” she noted. “As a result, the GRNMA’s industrial action, which began on June 2, is now suspended. A follow-up meeting is scheduled for June 26, 2025.”
She directed over 120,000 nurses and midwives to resume duties on Saturday, June 14, 2025. She assured members that leadership remains committed to securing full implementation of the agreement.
GRNMA Remains Non-Partisan
Mrs. Ofori-Ampofo emphasized the professional and non-partisan nature of the GRNMA. “For 65 years, we have worked with every government to strengthen the healthcare system while advocating for better working conditions for nurses and midwives,” she said.
She expressed appreciation to the Health Committee of Parliament for its timely intervention and thanked the nursing and midwifery community for their unity and discipline during the strike.
Appeals Against Misinformation and Propaganda
The GRNMA President urged Ghanaians to avoid spreading misinformation and propaganda regarding national issues. She reiterated that nurses and midwives do not take pleasure in disrupting healthcare delivery but are often forced to act when their own welfare is ignored.
Impact of the Strike
The strike, which began as a partial action on June 4 and escalated to a complete withdrawal of services by June 9, significantly strained public hospitals and clinics across Ghana. Emergency services were overwhelmed, patients were left unattended, and essential procedures were postponed.
The GRNMA’s demands centered on the full implementation of their 2024 Collective Agreement, which included allowances such as the 30-month allowance, rural posting incentives, fuel allowances, and uniform provisions.
Government’s Fiscal Concerns
The government, however, raised concerns that the proposed package, costing over GH¢2 billion, could derail its fiscal target of a 1.5% primary balance surplus. Instead, it proposed incorporating the new conditions into the 2026 national budget.
Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem and Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh both appealed to the striking workers to return to duty while discussions continued.
A Cautious Return to Normalcy
While nurses and midwives are set to return to work on Saturday, the GRNMA has stated that it will monitor the government’s adherence to the agreed terms closely.
With healthcare professionals returning to their posts, hospitals and clinics across Ghana are expected to return to normal operations, bringing relief to patients and their families.
