GRNMA suspends planned strike as government commits to key demands

The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has suspended its intended industrial action following what it described as “satisfactory” commitments from the government during a meeting held on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.

Addressing a press conference in Accra on Wednesday, July 16, the President of the Association, Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, said the decision came after fruitful discussions with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Health. 

The meeting was convened to address unresolved concerns in the Association’s Collective Agreement, particularly issues that had sparked the threat of industrial action earlier this month.

Ms Ofori-Ampofo disclosed that the talks centred on two critical items—the 8 per cent Non-Basic Allowance and the Fuel Allowance. 

She explained that the non-basic allowance, which was expected to reflect an upward adjustment in the Market Premium for nurses and midwives, had not been implemented properly due to distortions. “They have committed to taking urgent steps to correct those distortions,” she said.

With regard to the fuel allowance, she stated that the government had agreed to provide it at existing government-approved rates, rather than the 10.99 per cent or ex-pump rate previously referenced in the agreement. 

She also confirmed that the Ministry of Finance had assured the Association that provisions for these allowances would be captured in the upcoming mid-year budget review.

“It was agreed that all other items listed under Appendix B of the Collective Agreement would be costed and included in the 2026 national budget,” she added.

Among the other entitlements the government has pledged to implement are the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) allowance, renewal fees for PIN/AIN licences, the 13th Month Allowance, medical subsidies, and other Category 2 and 3 allowances.

As part of the agreement, all nurses and midwives are expected to meet CPD requirements and be fully licensed by December 31, 2025, to be eligible to practise legally from January 1, 2026.

While expressing cautious optimism, the GRNMA president said the Association would continue to monitor progress to ensure that all the commitments are honoured. “Leadership will do nothing less than pursue what has been agreed upon,” she affirmed.

She also used the opportunity to reflect on setbacks that delayed the implementation of previous agreements. “We are here today because someone chose to ignore the Collective Agreement of nurses and midwives during the transition,” she said. “More importantly, a section of our fraternity also curtailed its implementation last year.”

Calling for accountability and unity, Ms Ofori-Ampofo urged that such lapses must not be repeated, and that nurses and midwives deserve to be respected and supported. “Nurses and midwives must be recognised and provided with improved working conditions,” she stated.

The GRNMA extended gratitude to government agencies, the media, the public, and other labour unions for their solidarity and support throughout the negotiation process. “We thank our members across the country for their patience and unity,” she said.

With negotiations still ongoing and implementation measures yet to be finalised, the Association said it will continue to engage the government in good faith while safeguarding the interests of its members.