The ongoing standoff between the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) and the government has intensified, as both sides clash over the cost and prioritisation of improved conditions of service for health workers.
Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem recently stated that meeting the full demands of the GRNMA would cost the state over GHS2 billion — a figure he described as unsustainable in the current economic climate.
But the union is pushing back. In a sharp rebuttal, Samuel Alagkora Akologo, Vice President of GRNMA, criticised the government’s claims, saying the figure is inflated and indicative of a lack of serious engagement with their proposals.
“They are quoting GHS2 billion as if our entire membership is demanding car and fuel allowances,” Mr. Akologo said in an interview. “But most of the items in our proposal, such as fuel allowance, apply only to a small portion of our senior members. Others, like book and research allowances, affect less than 10,000 people.”
He also pointed out that the rural incentive allowance, which seeks to attract and retain nurses in deprived communities, is modest — pegged at just 20% of the basic salary — and unlikely to balloon the cost to the level suggested.
Mr. Akologo added that the union was disappointed the issue had not been captured in the 2025 national budget, further reinforcing their perception that the welfare of nurses and midwives is not a government priority.
“These statements show the lack of proper costing and due diligence on the government’s part,” he said. “Our concerns are legitimate and overdue.”
Meanwhile, the strike by nurses and midwives, which has now disrupted services at key hospitals nationwide, continues to stretch Ghana’s already burdened healthcare system. Patients across the country have been forced to endure long queues and delays, with critical services affected.
Despite the tensions, the Ministry of Health insists that dialogue remains open. In a statement, the Ministry acknowledged the impact of the industrial action but assured the public that it remains committed to engaging the GRNMA leadership to arrive at a fair and sustainable resolution.
“We value the sacrifices of our nurses and midwives,” the Ministry noted, “and are working tirelessly to find common ground.”
As the impasse lingers, pressure is mounting on both sides to reach a deal — for the sake of public health and the credibility of Ghana’s health sector.
