Nurses stand firm: No renegotiation of signed conditions of service

The industrial action, which began on June 2, was intended to compel the government to implement a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiated and approved under the previous administration. The agreement covers allowances for uniforms, licence renewals, and deprived-area postings.

Although the government acknowledged the CBA, it deferred its implementation to 2026 on fiscal grounds—a position the GRNMA initially rejected.

However, after a meeting with Parliament’s Health Committee, the union agreed to suspend the strike. GRNMA President, Mrs Perpetual Ofori Ampofo, announced the decision on Friday, June 13.

“The GRNMA’s industrial action initiated on 2nd June 2025 is hereby suspended pending the outcome of a follow-up meeting scheduled for 26th June 2025,” she stated.

Members were instructed to resume normal duties on Saturday, June 14.

Dr Tenkorang said public concern and high-level interventions influenced the decision to temporarily return to work.

“We had picked some signals—the cry of the people of Ghana. Quite prominent members of society approached us. The Select Committee on Health asked us to appear before them. We had to listen to the cry of the people and their representatives,” he explained.

Asked if the union was open to adjusting parts of the agreement, the GRNMA General Secretary was emphatic.

“Absolutely not. The Co-operative Agreement is signed and sealed. What we hoped to discuss was a process for implementation. That’s exactly what transpired in Parliament,” he said.

Dr Tenkorang also clarified that the strike was never about expanding their demands but rather ensuring the already-approved benefits were honoured.

“Our key ask was eight itemised allowances. We deal directly with the employer. The employer was fully aware of the Conditions of Service but chose not to include them in the 2025 budget,” he noted.

He stressed the vital role nurses and midwives play in the health sector. If we’re not there, the hospital is completely stuck,” he said.

On allegations of political motives behind the strike, he was blunt: “We are apolitical. We will not aid anyone to win power, and we will not sabotage anyone to lose it. Nurses and midwives will not be used as pawns in politics.”