Akandoh appeals to striking nurses to return to negotiation table

Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has called on the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) to suspend its ongoing strike action and return to the negotiation table to resolve their concerns.

His made the appeal during a nationwide tour of selected health facilities aimed at assessing the impact of the strike on healthcare delivery.

The strike, which began on Wednesday, May 28, is in protest over the government’s failure to fully implement a 2024 collective agreement with the Ministry of Health.

While addressing the media on Thursday, June 5, the Minister acknowledged the significance of the nurses’ concerns but stressed the need to prioritise patients’ wellbeing.

“I will continue to appeal to them that in all these matters, what we have to do is to put the patient first. In my humble opinion, I do not think that a strike is what will resolve the issue at the end of the day. No matter what, at the end of the day, we need to sit around the table to resolve the matter. I am still calling them, let us sit around the table and let’s find a lasting solution to this matter.”

Meanwhile, the GRNMA has maintained its position, insisting that the strike will continue until its demands, particularly the full implementation of the agreed terms of service, are met. The situation has led to significant disruptions in public health services across the country.