High Court restrains GRNMA from continuing with strike for 10 days

The High Court in Accra has placed an injunction on the nationwide strike by the Ghana Registered and Midwives Association (GRNMA).

Justice Priscilla Dikro Ofori presided over the case. She described the strike as illegal. The court ordered GRNMA to call off the strike immediately.

This order was granted on Thursday, June 5, 2025. It followed an ex-parte application by the National Labour Commission (NLC).

The injunction will last for 10 days. After that, the NLC can apply for a further injunction if needed. They must serve notice to GRNMA to do so.

The court's order restrains GRNMA and its members from continuing their strike. Justice Ofori stated that all linked persons are injuncted from carrying out their illegal actions.

Background

On May 29, 2025, GRNMA notified NLC of its intent to strike. They protested delays in implementing their 2024 Collective Agreement.

GRNMA accused the Ministry of Health and Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) of not honoring promises. These included allowances, accommodation issues, and workload concerns.

The Commission directed GRNMA to suspend all planned actions under Section 138 of the Labour Act. This included wearing red bands and withdrawing services pending mediation.

On June 4, FWSC, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Finance met with the Commission. However, GRNMA did not attend and proceeded with their strike.

The NLC then declared the industrial action illegal. They instructed GRNMA to return to work immediately.

According to NLC, nurses and midwives did not follow legal procedures under Section 159 of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651).

The Ministry of Health also urged nurses to return while negotiations continued. They warned that ongoing strikes threaten public healthcare systems.

Despite this appeal, the strike continued affecting healthcare delivery across the country. Major hospitals struggled to provide basic services as some wards were deserted.