Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has urged retired nurses and midwives to temporarily volunteer their services and attend to patients, as practicing nurses have declared an indefinite strike.
This follows the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA)’s rejection of a government proposal to defer the implementation of their new conditions of service to 2026.
Speaking at a press conference on the ongoing impasse, the Minister acknowledged the gravity of the situation and called on retired health professionals to step in while negotiations continue.
“Given the urgency of the situation and the suffering of patients, the government appeals to public-spirited retired nurses and midwives to volunteer their services for a brief period pending the resolution of the impasse,” he said.
He noted that the government is actively working to resolve the dispute, hence the appeal for interim support.
The Minister also expressed appreciation to nurses who have defied the industrial action and remained at post.
“We further express our appreciation to practicing nurses who have opted to remain at post to help suffering patients. We urge others to show similar fellow-feeling and assist our ailing compatriots, even as efforts are made to address their concerns,” he added.
The strike, which began in phases on June 2, 2025, escalated on June 9 with a full withdrawal of services. The association is protesting the delayed implementation of the 2024 Collective Agreement, which covers salaries, allowances, and working conditions