GRNMA Blames Government for Risks to Lives Amid Nationwide Nurses’ Strike

The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has issued a strong warning, holding the government accountable for any loss of life resulting from its ongoing nationwide strike.

Speaking in an interview with Citi FM, Samuel Alagkora Akologo, Vice President of GRNMA, criticized the government for neglecting the welfare of health workers. His remarks followed a stalemated meeting between the association and the Ministry of Health on Monday, June 9, which failed to produce a resolution.

Despite expectations for progress, the government cited budgetary limitations and proposed deferring the implementation of nurses’ and midwives’ conditions of service until 2026. This response, according to Akologo, reinforced concerns that the government is not taking the needs of health professionals seriously.

“Give us the best care and we can also give the best care and service to the people of Ghana. If we lose a single life because of this agitation, it is the employers who should be held responsible,” Akologo stated.

He further noted that the government’s position displays a lack of respect for the contribution of nurses and midwives to the healthcare system.

“When we started the process, people lambasted us and asked us to exercise patience. Today’s meeting has reaffirmed our earlier position—that the employers do not intend to implement our conditions of service. We have been vindicated,” he added.

The GRNMA began its strike to demand the implementation of agreed-upon working conditions, stressing that their efforts are not only for fair treatment but also for the sustainability of quality healthcare delivery across Ghana.