Dr Nana Ayew Afriye is Ranking Member on the Health Committee of Parliament
The Minority in Parliament has accused the government of acting in bad faith regarding the conditions of service of nurses and midwives in the public sector.
At a press conference held by Minority Members on the Health Committee of Parliament, the Ranking Member, Dr Nana Ayew Afriye, stated that the government’s failure to implement the agreed-upon conditions of service, despite being in office for six months, and its approach following the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) strike declaration, reflect dishonesty.
“It is the belief of the Minority in this House that the government has acted and continues to act in bad faith regarding this standoff,” the Ranking Member said.
According to the Minority, while the conditions of service were approved for implementation under the previous government, the process stalled due to legal action, which was only resolved after that administration had left office.
The Minority emphasised that governance is a continuous process, while questioning the current government’s failure to implement the agreement.
“Again, it is our belief that governance is a continuous process. Regardless of which party is in government, public servants are paid, and they remain public servants with collective bargaining rights. These rights, once agreed upon, remain theirs, regardless of which government takes over after elections.
“In May 2024, the Registered Nurses and Midwives Association of Ghana reached an agreement with the government on their rights,” Dr Ayew said.
The Minority further condemned the government’s posturing and urged it to engage with the striking health workers to bring an immediate end to the strike to prevent the risk of losing lives.
The Caucus also called on the GRNMA to be “reasonable” and “merciful” in pursuing their interests and those of patients.
“Fortunately, we will soon hear from the Minister of Finance regarding the Mid-Year Budget Review. This is the time to address their concerns. As the Mid-Year Budget Review is approaching, it’s not as if we are in August, where you might tell them to wait for the next budget cycle. Now is the right time to include their concerns and listen to them.
“My understanding is that since January, they were told that the Ministry of Finance would meet with them in June, with a specific date of June 18. How would you feel if you were repeatedly told to wait for six months? We are not here to justify their strike. We are here to plead with the nurses to understand that even if the government sees the need to engage them, they should approach negotiations in good faith, with Ghanaians’ interests at heart.
“Gaining all the financial benefits while lives are lost brings no joy to anyone. As the Minority, we are mindful not to escalate the situation or encourage prolonging the strike. We are only asking them to be merciful at the negotiating table and to act reasonably,” the Minority said.
GA/AE