Call off ‘illegal’ strike immediately – NLC directs nurses and midwives

The National Labour Commission (NLC) has ordered the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) to end its strike. The NLC declared the strike illegal on June 4, 2025.

The Commission disapproved of the GRNMA's decision to strike. This was despite being summoned to resolve the issue. The ongoing strike severely impacted healthcare services nationwide. Patients were left stranded, and medical facilities struggled to cope.

The NLC stated that nurses and midwives did not follow legal procedures. They failed to comply with Section 159 of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651).

On May 29, 2025, the GRNMA informed the NLC about their planned industrial action. They protested delays in implementing their 2024 Collective Agreement. However, the NLC invoked Section 138 of the Labour Act. They directed the GRNMA to suspend all actions until mediation occurred.

While other parties attended a meeting on June 4, the GRNMA did not show up. Instead, they continued with their strike. The Commission's statement declared this action illegal and demanded an immediate end.

All GRNMA members must return to work at once. The NLC also instructed GRNMA leaders to engage with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission about their agreement. They must report progress back to the NLC by June 25, 2025, at 2:30 pm.

This directive highlights the importance of health services and legal obligations for essential workers. Compliance is crucial to avoid disruptions in healthcare across Ghana.