The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has rejected a government proposal to postpone the implementation of their new conditions of service to 2026.
The decision follows an emergency meeting held earlier today between the Ministry of Health, GRNMA leadership, and key stakeholders.
The meeting aimed to resolve the ongoing impasse and facilitate the return of nurses to the wards.GRNMA Vice President, Samuel Alagkora, disclosed that the government cited budgetary constraints as the reason for its inability to meet their demands.
“What they wanted us to agree to was deferring implementation to 2026. In essence, they were proposing that we reset the service calendar as though we had just renegotiated the terms—thereby eliminating any notion of arrears. This is not fair,” he stated.
He expressed disappointment that their proposals, submitted in January, were not considered in the current budget.He further explained that the Ministry’s suggestion was viewed by the union as a strategic attempt to avoid paying arrears, something GRNMA strongly opposes.
“We were told there was no budget provision for implementation. These conditions of service were presented to the government in January, and we expected them to be captured in this year’s budget. Unfortunately, we are now being told that budget constraints are hindering the process,” Alagkora added.
Despite the ongoing strike and its growing impact on healthcare delivery, the Ministry of Health has reiterated its readiness to continue negotiations.
“We are open to any proposals they may come back with. We are not insisting that our current position must prevail. If they present an alternative, we will review it and, if necessary, engage further,”Spokesperson at the Ministry of Health noted.
The GRNMA, however, maintains that they will not return to work until their demands are met.The strike, which began in phases on June 2, 2025, escalated on June 9 with a complete withdrawal of services. The association is protesting the delayed implementation of the 2024 Collective Agreement, which governs salaries, allowances, and working conditions