The Ministry of Health has rolled out a series of contingency measures to safeguard critical health services across the country, following the decision by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) to embark on a nationwide strike.
The strike, which stems from delays in implementing the 2024 Collective Agreement, has prompted the Ministry to appeal for calm and reaffirm its commitment to resolving the dispute through dialogue.
In a press release signed by spokesperson Tony Goodman, the Ministry revealed that a high-level stakeholder meeting was held on May 30, 2025, with various nursing bodies—including the GRNMA, the Union of Professional Nurses and Midwives (UPNMG), and others—to address the impasse.
While most nursing associations have agreed to continue providing services as talks continue, the GRNMA has maintained its stance, intensifying pressure on government officials to act swiftly.
To mitigate disruptions in healthcare delivery, the Ministry has activated a coordinated emergency response. This includes:
- Deployment of security agencies to protect health workers who choose not to join the strike.
- Continuous presence of hospital leadership, especially Directors of Nursing Services, to ensure service continuity.
- Prioritisation of emergency and maternity care through dedicated unit heads and standby ambulance services.
- Mandatory daily updates from the Ghana Health Service and teaching hospitals to the Acting Chief Director.
- Coordination with quasi-government health facilities to manage potential patient overflow.
Rotational and trainee nurses have also been instructed to remain at post and not partake in the industrial action.
Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has proposed the formation of a tripartite committee—comprising representatives from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Finance, and nursing unions—to resolve the matter decisively.
Despite growing tension, the Ministry commended nurses and midwives who have continued to work and urged the GRNMA to return to the negotiation table.
“We remain open to dialogue and call on the GRNMA to rescind its decision in the interest of national health and well-being,” Goodman stated.
The Ministry says it will continue to monitor the situation and respond as needed to ensure uninterrupted care for the public.
