The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has issued a strong call for the government to immediately implement a collective agreement signed in May 2024, warning that further delays will provoke a phased withdrawal of essential health services across the country.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Wednesday, Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, President of the GRNMA, expressed deep frustration with the government’s failure to fulfill its obligations under the agreement.
She highlighted that, despite a legal case brought by some members of the profession, the court ruled in January 2025, clearing the way for implementation.
However, repeated follow-ups and letters to the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Finance have yielded no results.
“We are tired of the excuses. Our members are tired of the explanations we are forced to give them as leaders,” Ofori-Ampofo stated.
She emphasized that the content of the agreement was well known to all stakeholders and that there was no need for further explanations or reviews.
The GRNMA has announced a phased withdrawal of Out-Patient Department (OPD) services nationwide from June 4 to June 8, 2025.
“If the government fails to act during this period, the association will proceed with a complete withdrawal of all services starting June 9, 2025.
“As a preliminary step, all members are instructed to wear red armbands on June 2 and 3 as a visible protest”, she stressed.
Ofori-Ampofo warned that the continued delay not only undermines the welfare of nurses and midwives but also jeopardizes the nation’s healthcare system.
“Nurses and midwives are the hub around which the health system runs. When we withdraw our services, even for 24 hours, the consequences are serious,” she said.
The collective agreement covers essential allowances such as transportation, feeding, and family support, which are crucial for the effective performance of healthcare workers.
The president stressed that the government’s inaction risks demotivating an already overstretched workforce and threatens the delivery of quality healthcare to Ghanaians.
Ofori-Ampofo firmly stated that the association is not open to any further reviews or renegotiations.
“The agreement was signed in May 2024 after proper negotiations. We are not expecting the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission to reopen it. The only action we expect is full implementation,” she said.
She reiterated that the government must respect the legal and binding nature of the collective agreement, just as it has done for other public sector groups.
She urged the Ministry of Health to put pressure on the Ministry of Finance to act, warning that failure to do so will have severe consequences for health service delivery across the country.
Ofori-Ampofo appealed to the public to understand the association’s sentiments, explaining that the GRNMA does not wish to disrupt services but can no longer accept the continued neglect of their agreed entitlements.
“We know our responsibility and are ready to serve. But we cannot do so when our basic needs are not met. We are only asking for what has already been agreed,” she concluded
Source : www.kumasimail.com /Kwadwo Owusu
