Labour and Employment Minister, Dr Rashid Pelpuo
Labour and Employment Minister, Dr Rashid Pelpuo, has appealed to the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) to reconsider their ongoing nationwide strike and return to the negotiating table.
Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on June 9, 2025, the Minister expressed disappointment over the decision to embark on industrial action without prior engagement with the new government administration.
“Well, we are more than shocked. We are disturbed. We are worried that they could decide on a strike without much discussion with us. Because I believe very strongly that if they started what they said they started a year ago or two years ago, this is a new administration,” he stated.
Dr Pelpuo revealed that he was not given the opportunity to engage with the association prior to the strike, a situation he believes could have led to a different outcome had discussions been held.
“I had a chat with the president of the Nurses and Midwives Association, and I expressed concern that they did not create the opportunity for me to engage with them before the strike,” he noted.
The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering dialogue with labour unions and restoring confidence in the negotiation process.
He called for calm and urged the striking nurses and midwives to exercise restraint.
“We are doing everything we can to ensure we have a stable economy and a stable society. We want to work with labour to secure their full support for how we can move this country forward,” Dr Pelpuo stated.
He emphasised that the government remains open to dialogue and is ready to engage with the GRNMA to find a lasting resolution to the impasse.
The GRNMA began the strike on June 2, 2025, following a breakdown in negotiations with the Ministry of Health.
The dispute centers on the government’s request to postpone the implementation of new conditions of service until 2026, a demand the association has firmly rejected.
MRA/MA
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