More than 128,000 nurses and midwives across Ghana have joined the strike called by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA). This follows the government’s refusal to honor a collective agreement—the 2024 Conditions of Service, signed over a year ago. GRNMA says it has waited long enough. “Since then, we have made several follow-ups through official letters and personal visits to both the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Health, but we have seen no action,” said GRNMA President Perpetual Ofori Ampofo at a press conference in Accra on May 28.

The agreement of May 2024 was not a favor. It was a commitment, signed by the GRNMA on behalf of all nurses and midwives, and by the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Finance, and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission. After the GRNMA press conference, the Ministry of Health invited the Union to a scheduled meeting on May 30 to discuss a negotiated agreement. But GRNMA declined the invitation. 

What makes this situation more painful for nurses and midwives is the silence from the government. Even more alarming is the migration of professional nurses and midwives, which is impacting the remaining workers who are working under pressure to provide care for citizens. These are professionals who have carried the healthcare system through crisis after crisis—without complaint, without recognition. “This delay not only disrespects Ghanaian nurses and midwives, but also threatens the quality of healthcare delivery across the country. We are the backbone of the health system.” Ofori echoed. 

The GRNMA has laid out a clear plan of action. 

The GRNMA's demand remains unchanged: the immediate implementation of the signed May 2024 Conditions of Service agreement. No more promises. No more delays. 

Nurses and midwives in Ghana are tired of being taken for granted. This time, they are standing their ground—not just for themselves, but also to ensure quality public services for all Ghanaians.