The Secretary General of the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), Abraham Koomson, has appealed for calm and constructive engagement in the ongoing labour negotiations between the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) and the government.
Mr. Koomson’s comments come after the GRNMA issued a renewed ultimatum demanding full implementation of its Conditions of Service by the end of July 2025, threatening another strike if their demands are not met.
The ultimatum was declared following the government’s postponement of a key meeting originally scheduled for June 26, 2025, which was intended to bring together government officials, Parliamentary Health Committee members, and GRNMA leaders to discuss the ongoing issues.
While recognising the urgency of the nurses’ and midwives’ concerns, Mr. Koomson urged the GRNMA leadership to avoid allowing political interests to influence their negotiations.
He stressed that “dialogue and mutual respect must guide these discussions if lasting solutions are to be found,” warning that politicising labour matters could erode trust and hinder progress.
“Labour relations should remain apolitical. When union activities become entangled with partisan politics, it risks undermining both the credibility of the union and the prospects for genuine resolution,” he noted during a radio interview on Ahotor FM’s Yepe Ahunu show.
Mr. Koomson called on all parties to recommit to good-faith negotiations, reminding stakeholders that the ultimate goal is to improve Ghana’s health system for the benefit of all citizens.
He acknowledged the essential role nurses and midwives play in healthcare delivery and said their demands deserve serious attention but must be pursued through respectful and transparent channels.
“The health sector is critical to national development. It is imperative that all parties work collaboratively, putting aside political differences to ensure that the voices of healthcare workers are heard and addressed,” he concluded.
The GRNMA, meanwhile, has expressed concern over the government’s delay in rescheduling the meeting, insisting that their demands reflect long-standing issues that require urgent action.
