The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has expressed concern that fully adopting the current demands outlined in the conditions of service for nurses and midwives may seriously destabilise Ghana’s economy. His comments come at a critical moment, as members of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) are carrying out a nationwide strike to demand immediate improvements in their service conditions.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, Minister Akandoh emphasised the government’s willingness to engage in further dialogue. However, he also underscored the financial strain that the proposed terms could impose on the national economy.
“The government remains committed to ongoing discussions but must also ensure that any agreement reached is financially responsible and does not dislocate the national budget,” he said.
The industrial action has had widespread effects across the country’s healthcare system. Many public hospitals and clinics operate with skeletal staff, leaving patients waiting longer for care and placing additional pressure on the few remaining workers. The strike has sparked concern among citizens and healthcare managers alike, as access to basic medical services has become increasingly limited.
Minister Akandoh acknowledged nurses and midwives’ vital role in the health sector and reiterated the government’s appreciation for their contributions. However, he cautioned that any attempt to meet all their demands without careful consideration could lead to broader economic instability, affecting the health sector and the country as a whole.
In closing, he urged leaders of the GRNMA to return to the negotiation table and work together with the government toward a balanced solution that addresses workers’ concerns while safeguarding the country’s economic health.
