The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has rejected a government proposal to postpone the implementation of new working conditions until 2026, calling it unfair and unacceptable.
The rejection comes as GRNMA members continue their nationwide strike. In an effort to resolve the impasse, the Ministry of Health convened an emergency meeting with GRNMA leaders and other stakeholders on Monday, June 9.
According to Citi News, following the meeting, GRNMA Vice President Samuel Akoto Alagkora said the government cited financial constraints as the reason for the delay. However, the union is not convinced.
“We submitted our demands in January with the expectation they would be factored into this year’s budget,” Alagkora said. “Now we’re being told there’s no money, and that changes may only take effect in 2026. That’s not fair. The government is acting as though negotiations have just begun, in order to avoid back payments.”
The GRNMA’s National Council is currently reviewing the government’s proposal and is expected to decide on the next course of action in the coming days.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health says it remains open to dialogue. Ministry spokesperson Tony Goodman emphasized that the negotiation process is ongoing.
“We are not imposing our position,” Goodman said. “If they have alternative proposals, we are ready to consider them. That’s the nature of negotiations.”
