The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has issued a strong-worded statement expressing deep concern over what it describes as a breach of good faith following the unilateral rescheduling of a key meeting with the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health, warning to return to strike.
The Association, which embarked on a phased industrial action starting June 2, 2025, culminating in a full withdrawal of nursing and midwifery services on June 9, 2025, had suspended the strike on June 13, 2025, in response to the intervention of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health and appeals from the general public, particularly patients.
In a press briefing on June 26, 2025, the GRNMA informed the public and its members that a crucial meeting initially scheduled for today has been pushed back to July 10, 2025.
This decision, communicated through a letter from Parliamentary Services on June 25, 2025, was attributed to the unavailability of key stakeholders who are currently outside the jurisdiction.
The National Council of the Association convened immediately upon receiving this notice and deliberated extensively on its implications. Following this, the Association outlined the following positions:
Suspension in good faith: The GRNMA stated that the decision to suspend the strike was taken in good faith and expected equal goodwill from the Committee.
It expressed disappointment at the rescheduling, which it believes could hinder timely implementation of agreed items. Nonetheless, the Association is willing to exercise patience and trusts that the Committee’s engagements with the Ministries of Health and Finance will yield results.
Non-Negotiable deadline: The GRNMA is demanding the full implementation of four previously agreed-upon items by the end of July 2025, warning that any further delay will compel them to “advise themselves.”
Secondary items deadline: For the remaining concerns, the Association insists on a clear implementation timeline no later than January 2026.
Documented agreement: The GRNMA is calling for the July 10, 2025, meeting to result in a signed document explicitly capturing all timelines to avoid ambiguity.
Finally, the GRNMA urged all nurses and midwives to stay alert and await further directives from the National Council.
This latest development hints at the possibility of renewed industrial action should the July 10, 2025, meeting fail to deliver satisfactory outcomes, placing pressure on Parliament and the relevant ministries to act swiftly and decisively.
