The Ministry of Health has expressed surprise and disappointment over the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association’s (GRNMA) decision to embark on industrial action, calling on the association to reconsider its stance in the interest of Ghanaian patients.
In a statement, the Ministry said it was shocked by the GRNMA’s directive to its members to begin a series of strikes, particularly given the numerous engagements between the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, and the leadership of the Association.
The Ministry noted that the current administration remains committed to improving the welfare of health workers and highlighted that it was under President John Dramani Mahama’s leadership that the first-ever Conditions of Service for health workers were introduced in 2015.
According to the statement, the reviewed Conditions of Service were supposed to take effect in 2024 under the previous administration but faced delays. To resolve the matter, the Ministry says it recently agreed with the GRNMA to set up a committee comprising representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health, and the GRNMA to continue negotiations.
“The Ministry believes that using the lives of patients as leverage in the demand for the implementation of a collective bargaining agreement is not the appropriate course of action,” the statement said.
The Ministry emphasized its commitment to dialogue and called on the GRNMA to demonstrate good faith by withdrawing its planned industrial action while talks continue.
“We therefore call on the GRNMA to rescind its decision whilst the minister continues to engage all stakeholders involved,” the statement concluded.
The release was signed by Tony Goodman, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Health.
