GRNMA demands immediate implementation of Collective Agreement
The Ghana Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has called on the government to urgently implement its collective agreement.
The President of the association, Mrs Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, who made the call, expressed deep frustration over the delay in fulfilling the agreement signed in May 2024.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Wednesday (May 28, 2025), she outlined the reasons for the delay and the urgent need for action.
Implementation
Mrs Ofori-Ampofo stated that although the agreement had been delayed due to a legal case brought by some members of the profession, the court ruled on the matter in January 2025, paving the way for its implementation.
The association’s follow-ups and letters to the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance had not been successful.
She said the lack of urgency on the part of the employer reflected a disregard for the welfare and value of nurses and midwives.
“We are tired of the excuses. Our members are tired of the explanations we are forced to give them as leaders,” she said.
Mrs Ofori-Ampofo said the content of the collective agreement was already known to all relevant stakeholders, and there was no need for further explanations or reviews.
Impact on healthcare
The president emphasised that the continued delay not only affected the welfare of nurses and midwives, but also put the nation’s healthcare system at risk.
“Nurses and midwives are the hub around which the health system runs. When we withdraw our services, even for 24 hours, the consequences are serious,” she stated.
Mrs Ofori-Ampofo added that the collective agreement covered essential allowances, including transportation, feeding, and support for families, which directly affected their ability to work effectively.
The government’s inaction, she said, risked demotivating an already overstretched workforce and threatened the delivery of quality healthcare to Ghanaians.
Negotiations
Mrs Ofori-Ampofo firmly stated that the Association was not open to any further reviews or renegotiations.
“The agreement was signed in May 2024 after proper negotiations. We are not expecting the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission to reopen it. The only action we expect is full implementation,” she said.
She emphasised that the government must respect the legal and binding nature of the collective agreement, just as it had done for other public sector groups.
Mrs Ofori-Ampofo urged the Ministry of Health to put pressure on the Ministry of Finance, stressing that failure to act would ultimately impact health service delivery in all these institutions.
Appeal
Mrs Ofori Ampofo appealed to the public to understand their sentiments and explained that the association did not wish to disrupt services but could no longer accept the continued neglect of their agreed entitlements.
“We know our responsibility and are ready to serve. But we cannot do so when our basic needs are not met. We are only asking for what has already been agreed,” she added.
Meanwhile the Ministry of Health through its spokesperson Tony Goodman has reacted to the GRNMA press conference
Attached below is a copy of a press statement reacting to the press conference
RESCIND YOUR DECISION IN THE INTEREST OF THE GHANAIAN PATIENT
- The attention of the Ministry of Health has been drawn to a press conference organised by the leadership of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), during which the Association directed its members to embark on a series of industrial actions.
- The Ministry is shocked and surprised by this turn of events, especially in light of the numerous engagements the Honourable Minister for Health has had with the leadership of the GRNMA on this very matter.
- It is a well-known fact that under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, significant strides were made in improving the welfare of nurses and other health workers, including the historic introduction and implementation of the first-ever Conditions of Service for health workers in 2015.
- Since assuming office, the Honourable Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has met with the leadership of the GRNMA on more than five occasions.
- The reviewed Conditions of Service were scheduled to take effect in 2024, under the erstwhile administration but unfortunately, implementation was delayed. At the last meeting it was agreed that a committee comprising representatives from the GRNMA, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Health be established to continue the process.
- The Ministry believes that using the lives of patients as leverage in the demand for the implementation of a collective bargaining agreement is not the appropriate course of action.
- The Ministry has demonstrated good faith in this matter and urges the leadership of the GRNMA to reciprocate for the benefit of Ghana’s health sector.
- We therefore call on the GRNMA to rescind its decision whilst the minister continues to engage all stakeholders involved.
SIGNED:
TONY GOODMAN
SPOKESPERSON
