Report By: Ishmael Barfi
Accra, Ghana – The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has issued a warning that it may resume its strike action due to the unilateral rescheduling of an important meeting with the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health.
This meeting, originally planned for June 26, 2025, has been postponed to July 10, 2025, because key stakeholders are unavailable.
The GRNMA had initiated a phased industrial action beginning on June 2, 2025, which culminated in a full withdrawal of nursing and midwifery services on June 9, 2025.
This strike was suspended on June 13, 2025, following the intervention of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health and appeals from the public.
The Association suspended the strike in good faith, expecting a reciprocal commitment from the Committee.
However, the recent postponement of the meeting has raised concerns about the timely implementation of previously agreed-upon items.
At a press briefing held on 26th June, 2025 in Accra, the President of the GRNMA, Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, expressed disappointment regarding the rescheduling.
She stated that it could hinder progress on the Association’s concerns. “We suspended the strike in good faith, expecting equal goodwill from the Committee,” Ofori-Ampofo said.
“The rescheduling of the meeting without adequate consultation is disappointing and could undermine the progress we’ve made so far.”
The GRNMA is demanding the full implementation of four previously agreed-upon items by the end of July 2025.
If this deadline is not met, the Association may be compelled to take further action.
Additionally, they are seeking a clear timeline for the implementation of remaining concerns, no later than January 2026.
This timeline would provide a structured approach to addressing the Association’s issues and ensure prompt progress.
The Association has also called for the July 10, 2025 meeting to result in a signed document that explicitly outlines all timelines to eliminate ambiguity.
This would promote clarity regarding the agreements reached and ensure accountability among all parties involved.
The rescheduling of the meeting has serious implications for the healthcare sector. The GRNMA’s threat to resume its strike action places pressure on Parliament and relevant ministries to act swiftly and decisively.
A resumption of the strike could disrupt healthcare services, adversely affecting patients and the general public.
During the press briefing, the GRNMA urged all nurses and midwives to remain vigilant and await further directives from the National Council.
“The Association is prepared to take additional action if our demands are not met. We are committed to ensuring that our concerns are addressed and that the healthcare sector is improved,” Ofori-Ampofo added. “We will not hesitate to take further action if necessary.”
The GRNMA’s warning to resume strike action underscores the urgent need to address its concerns.
The rescheduling of the meeting raises significant issues regarding the timely implementation of agreed-upon items, and the Association is calling for concrete actions to be taken.
The outcome of the July 10, 2025, meeting will be crucial in determining the next steps for the GRNMA and the overall healthcare sector.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
