Nurses and midwives begin strike in Upper East over delayed collective agreement, despite gov't assurance

Members of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) in the Upper East Region started an indefinite strike today, June 2. They are protesting the government's failure to implement their 2024 Collective Agreement.

The Association says this delay harms their members' welfare. It also threatens the quality of healthcare across the country.

Desmond Yaani, the Upper East Regional Public Relations Officer of GRNMA, confirmed full compliance with the strike. This includes all 15 districts in the region.

“Our members are wearing red armbands and headbands today and tomorrow,” Mr. Yaani explained. “From June 4 to 8, we will suspend all Out-Patient Department (OPD) services.”

He added that if there is no resolution by June 9, they will withdraw all services. A meeting with government representatives last Friday did not produce satisfactory results.

Health stakeholders are concerned about disruptions in care access. This is especially true for rural communities that rely on public health facilities.

The GRNMA urges the government to address their demands urgently. They want to prevent a total breakdown of essential health services in the region and beyond.