4 nursing and midwifery unions distance themselves from GRNMA strike

Four major nursing and midwifery unions in Ghana have distanced themselves from a planned strike. The strike by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) is set to begin on June 2, 2025.

On May 28, the Union of Professional Nurses and Midwives Ghana (UPNMG), the Professional Association of Psychiatric Nurses Ghana (PAPNG), the National Association of Registered Midwives Ghana (NARM-GH), and the Ghana Registered Midwives Association (GRMA) issued a joint statement. They expressed concern over GRNMA’s decision to declare a strike without consulting others.

The unions noted that this decision contradicts an agreement made on May 27. At that meeting, all parties agreed to postpone any industrial action. They decided to wait for further consultations with members and a meeting with the Minister of Finance about their Collective Agreement.

“We are deeply concerned by GRNMA's unilateral decision,” the statement said. It emphasized that this move goes against their collective resolution.

The four unions reaffirmed their commitment to negotiating the Collective Agreement. They stressed that progress should come through structured dialogue, not individual actions that could weaken their bargaining power.

“Unilateral actions risk weakening our collective stance,” they warned. This could undermine the welfare of healthcare professionals they represent.

They clarified they are not part of GRNMA's declared strike. They urged all members to stay at work and continue providing essential health services while discussions with key stakeholders continue.

The unions also called on GRNMA to reconsider its decision. They urged it to honor the agreement reached during their joint deliberations.

“This is a critical moment for responsible leadership and unity in Ghana's nursing and midwifery landscape,” they concluded.