The Minority in Parliament has called upon the government to rethink its approach to the ongoing strike by nurses and midwives. They are emphasizing the critical need for constructive engagement rather than relying on legal action.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, June 10, Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie, the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Health Committee, stressed that the demands outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) are both reasonable and justified. He, however, criticized the government’s failure to engage with the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) since January, which has led to the escalation of protests.
Dr. Afriyie detailed the nurses’ phased industrial action, which began with wearing red bands, followed by disruptions to outpatient (OPD) and inpatient (IPD) services, and ultimately culminating in a total strike.
“All the expectations in the CBA called for in appendix B is justified and not far-fetched but government has not seen the need to have engaged them since January. They (GRNMA) feel undermined as far as their rights are concerned and that is why they advised government that we are going to wear red bands for the first stage, the next stage we are going to do OPD, and the next stage IPD and now total strike,” he explained.
Instead of addressing their concerns through dialogue, the National Labour Commission (NLC) resorted to taking the association to court – a move the Minority views as an “extreme act of bad faith.”
“They have their rights within the law. You cannot use the law to checkmate them. That is not right,” Dr. Afriyie asserted, emphasizing that the government’s posture must shift toward respect and meaningful negotiations. He urged authorities to meet with the GRNMA, clearly communicate what is feasible, and commit to resolving the crisis in a manner that respects the rights of healthcare professionals while safeguarding public health.
“So we are here to state clearly that the posturing of government must change, respect them, sit with them. Let them know what you can do and cannot do.”
Health Minister Warns of Economic Impact
Meanwhile, the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has warned that immediately implementing the demands outlined in the current conditions of service for nurses and midwives could significantly destabilize Ghana’s economy.
Speaking at a separate press conference, he reiterated the government’s openness to dialogue but stressed the economic challenges associated with the current proposals.
“The government will again stress its readiness to further engage with the view of implementing the conditions of service in a manner that does not dislocate the national budget,” he stated.
He further explained that the proposed benefits were not factored into the national financial plan. “We wish to draw attention to the fact that the conditions under reference are not captured in the 2025 budget and will completely throw the economy off gear if implemented immediately in the manner it currently exists.”
Akandoh emphasized the government’s awareness of the risks associated with unplanned spending. “We are mindful of the serious economic consequences of unbudgeted expenditure, and we want to avoid the economic factors that led to the crisis in the first place,” he added.
