The government is appealing to retired nurses and midwives to temporarily return to service in an effort to ease the pressure on Ghana’s healthcare system amid a nationwide strike by members of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA).

The strike, now in its second week, stems from the government’s proposal to postpone the implementation of new conditions of service for nurses and midwives until 2026, a proposal the GRNMA has firmly rejected.

At a press briefing on Tuesday, June 10, Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh acknowledged the escalating strain on healthcare delivery and outlined emergency measures to mitigate the impact.
“Given the urgency of the situation and the suffering of patients, the government is appealing to public-spirited retired nurses and midwives to volunteer their service for a brief period pending the resolution of the impasse,” the Minister said.

As part of immediate interventions, the Ministry of Health announced plans to publish a list of alternative healthcare facilities available to the public. These centers are expected to provide essential services amid staff shortages in hospitals and clinics.

The Minister also confirmed that the Ministry of Finance and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission have been directed to develop an expedited roadmap for implementing the revised conditions of service.
“Government remains committed to continuing dialogue with the nurses to reach a mutually acceptable outcome in the interest of public health,” he said.

Negotiations intensified on Monday, June 9, during a closed-door emergency meeting between the Ministry of Health, GRNMA leadership, and other stakeholders. However, the meeting ended without an agreement, prolonging the industrial action and leaving thousands of patients without adequate care.

The strike has disrupted services in both public and some private healthcare facilities, resulting in long queues, delays in treatment, and reduced access to basic medical services.