Court orders nurses and midwives to end strike immediately

The High Court in Accra has intervened in the strike by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA).

The court placed an injunction on the nationwide strike. This action has disrupted healthcare delivery across the country.

Justice Priscilla Dikro Ofori described the strike as illegal. She ordered the GRNMA to immediately call off the action.

The injunction lasts for ten days. It was granted after an ex-parte motion from the National Labour Commission (NLC). During this time, the NLC can return to court for an extension, but must notify the GRNMA formally.

The court's directive prohibits all association members from continuing with what it calls an unlawful strike.

The GRNMA announced its intention to strike on May 29. They cited unfulfilled promises regarding allowances, accommodation, and heavy workloads.

Despite a meeting invitation from the Labour Commission, the association refused to participate. They chose to proceed with their industrial action anyway.

This defiance led to swift reactions from authorities. The NLC declared the strike illegal under the Labour Act and demanded a return to work.

Government agencies have expressed concern about potential impacts on public healthcare. The Ministries of Health and Finance, along with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, warned that services could be crippled.

Hospitals are already feeling effects of the strike. Services have been scaled down and wards are understaffed.