The Minority in Parliament has urged the government to reconsider its approach to the ongoing nurses and midwives strike, emphasising the need for constructive engagement rather than legal action.
Speaking on the issue at a presser in Accra on Tuesday June 10, Ranking Member on the Health Committee of Parliament, Dr Nana Ayew Afriyie, stressed that the demands outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) are reasonable and justified.
However, he criticised the government’s failure to engage the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) since January, leading to escalating protests.
Dr. Afriyie outlined the nurses’ gradual steps in their industrial action, which began with red bands, followed by disruptions to outpatient (OPD) and inpatient (IPD) services, culminating in a total strike.
“All the expectations in the CBA called for in appendix B is justified and not far fetched but government has not seen the need to have engaged them since January. They (GRNMA) feel undermined as far as their rights are concerned and that is why they advised government that we are going to wear red bands for the first stage, the next stage we are going to do OPD, and the next stage IPD and now total strike,” he said.
Instead of addressing their concerns through dialogue, the National Labour Commission (NLC) resorted to taking the association to court—a move the Minority sees as an “extreme act of bad faith.”
“They have their rights within the law. You cannot use the law to checkmate them. That is not right,” Dr. Afriyie asserted, adding that the government’s posture must shift toward respect and meaningful negotiations.
He urged authorities to meet with the GRNMA, clearly communicate what is feasible, and commit to resolving the crisis in a manner that respects the rights of healthcare professionals while safeguarding public health.
“So we are here to state clearly that the posturing of government must change, respect them, sit with them. Let them know what you can do and cannot do.”
Meanwhile, the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has warned that implementing the demands currently outlined in the conditions of service for nurses and midwives could significantly destabilise Ghana’s economy.
Speaking at a presser, he reiterated the government’s openness to dialogue but stressed the economic challenges tied to the current proposals.
“The government will again stress its readiness to further engage with the view of implementing the conditions of service in a manner that does not dislocate the national budget,” he stated.
He further explained that the proposed benefits were not factored into the national financial plan.
“We wish to draw attention to the fact that the conditions under reference are not captured in the 2025 budget and will completely throw the economy off gear if implemented immediately in the manner it currently exists.”
Akandoh emphasised the government’s awareness of the risks associated with unplanned spending.
“We are mindful of the serious economic consequences of unbudgeted expenditure, and we want to avoid the economic factors that led to the crisis in the first place,” he added.
Read also
Implementing nurses’ demands will destabilise economy – Mintah Akandoh