Strike by nurses disrupts healthcare services across Ghana

The ongoing nurses' strike in Ghana is disrupting healthcare services. Patients are left stranded as many nurses have abandoned their posts.

The Ministry of Health is taking action. They issued emergency directives to maintain essential healthcare services during the strike by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA).

On May 30, 2025, a high-level meeting occurred. The Ministry met with key stakeholders from nursing and midwifery groups. This included representatives from GRNMA, UPNMG, GRMA, NARM-G, PAPNG, and the Nurses and Midwives Educators Society.

During the meeting, unions demanded implementation of a Collective Agreement signed in 2024. They claim this agreement has not been honored. Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh promised to address their concerns quickly.

Most associations agreed to continue providing services. However, GRNMA decided to proceed with the strike. This prompted the Ministry to prepare for disruptions in healthcare delivery.

To manage the situation, the Ministry instructed public health facilities to activate contingency plans. Key measures include:

Hospital managers must be present at work throughout the strike period.

Unit heads must ensure maternity and emergency services remain operational.

The Ambulance Service will stay on standby across all districts for emergencies.

Coordinating structures will be set up to manage emergencies effectively.

Daily reports on service delivery will be submitted to the Acting Chief Director of the Ministry.

The Ministry will work with quasi-government health facilities to handle more patients during the strike.

Rotational nurses and those undergoing mandatory clinicals should not participate in the strike.

The Ministry is closely monitoring developments to ensure logistics are in place during this disruption.

They acknowledged nurses who chose not to join the strike and urged GRNMA to reconsider its decision. Ongoing discussions aim to resolve outstanding issues.