Strike: Akandoh urges retired nurses to volunteer services temporarily

The government has called on retired nurses and midwives to temporarily return to service in a bid to mitigate the impact of the ongoing strike by members of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA).

The appeal comes as the nationwide strike intensifies without resolution. The industrial action was triggered by the government’s proposal to defer the implementation of new conditions of service for nurses and midwives to 2026, an offer the GRNMA has flatly rejected.

Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, June 10, Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, acknowledged the growing strain on the healthcare system and outlined emergency measures being taken to address the situation.

“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 stated.

As part of immediate interventions, the Ministry of Health announced plans to publish a comprehensive list of alternative healthcare facilities where patients can seek nursing services. These facilities are expected to complement hospitals and clinics currently affected by staff shortages.

In addition, the Minister disclosed that the Ministry of Finance and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission have been directed to urgently develop a roadmap for the smooth implementation of the nurses’ 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 assured.

Efforts to resolve the impasse intensified on Monday, June 9, when the Ministry of Health held a closed-door emergency meeting with leaders of the GRNMA and other stakeholders.

However, the discussions ended without agreement, leaving thousands of patients stranded across the country.

The strike, which has affected operations in both public and some private health facilities, is already taking a toll on service delivery, with long queues and limited access to basic care being reported.