Government spokesperson and MP for Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has revealed that the Mahama-led administration is actively working behind the scenes to resolve the ongoing nationwide strike by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA).
Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on Tuesday, June 9, Kwakye Ofosu described the situation as critical, emphasizing the urgent need to restore healthcare services across the country.
“This is a very serious matter,” he stated. “We’re talking about the lives of Ghanaians. Patients go to health facilities expecting quality care, and that care depends heavily on the presence of nurses and other essential health professionals.”
The nurses’ strike has intensified following a failed emergency meeting between the GRNMA and the Ministry of Health. The primary point of contention is the government’s proposal to delay the implementation of the agreed conditions of service until 2026, a request the union has firmly rejected.
“It’s unfortunate that the situation has escalated to this point,” Kwakye Ofosu said. “As a government, we regret the strike action but are committed to resolving it promptly.”
According to the government spokesperson, discreet negotiations are ongoing to find a resolution and get nurses and midwives back to work.
“We are actively engaged in backroom talks to end the impasse and restore vital healthcare services,” he confirmed.
He stressed the indispensable role that nurses and midwives play in Ghana’s healthcare delivery, saying, “Government holds all health professionals in high esteem, especially nurses and midwives, who are central to patient care.”
Kwakye Ofosu even quoted a medical doctor who told him, “A hospital can do without doctors, but it cannot function without nurses.”
While negotiations continue, the government is also exploring strategies to mitigate the strike’s impact on patients, especially the most vulnerable.
“We owe it to Ghanaians to ensure that the strike does not endanger lives. The state must act to protect public health during this challenging period,” he said.
Despite the current deadlock, Kwakye Ofosu expressed optimism that a resolution is near. “This strike must end soon. Nurses and midwives are too essential to be away from their posts for long,” he concluded.
