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The government has issued an urgent appeal to retired nurses and midwives to temporarily return to service as the nationwide strike by members of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) enters a critical phase.
The strike, which began following the government’s proposal to postpone the implementation of revised conditions of service for nurses and midwives until 2026, has disrupted healthcare delivery across the country. The GRNMA has strongly opposed the deferment, leading to stalled negotiations and mounting concerns over patient care.
At a press conference on Tuesday, June 10, Minister of Health Kwabena Mintah Akandoh acknowledged the strain on medical facilities and the difficulties faced by patients due to staff shortages. He urged retired nurses and midwives to volunteer their expertise to help alleviate the burden on hospitals and clinics.
“Given the urgency of the situation and the suffering of patients, the government is appealing to public-spirited retired nurses and midwives to volunteer their service for a brief period pending the resolution of the impasse,”* Akandoh stated.
To support affected individuals, the Ministry of Health plans to publish a list of alternative healthcare facilities offering nursing services, aiming to ensure continued access to medical care despite the ongoing crisis.
Additionally, the Minister revealed that the Ministry of Finance and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission have been directed to expedite discussions on a roadmap for implementing the nurses’ revised conditions of service.
Despite intensified efforts, including an emergency closed-door meeting on June 9 between the government and GRNMA representatives, no agreement has been reached. As a result, hospitals and clinics continue to struggle with long queues and limited access to essential care.
