GRNMA condemns CHAG’s attempt to victimise striking nurses, midwives

The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has criticised the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) over its unfair measures aimed at punishing nurses and midwives who joined the recent nationwide strike.

A statement jointly signed by the President and General Secretary, Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo and Dr David Tenkorang-Twum respectively, expressed grave concern over a circular issued by CHAG dated June 30, 2025, which requested a list of staff who participated in the strike as an attempt to intimidate nurses and midwives working in CHAG facilities who were paid by the government.

Intimidations

According to the GRNMA, CHAG’s circular proposed that newly posted staff who joined the strike should be returned for reposting, and those in management positions or heads of departments should be removed.

The measures included denial of May allowances, suspension of special benefits such as accommodation and vehicle support, delay in promotions and even requests to the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department to withhold salaries of striking staff for one week.

The GRNMA said the intended actions were clear attempts to intimidate nurses and midwives, despite the fact that these health workers were exercising their legal rights.

Unfair labour practice

The union stressed that all nurses and midwives in CHAG facilities were paid by the government and not CHAG, so they had no rightful authority to impose sanctions or disciplinary actions against them for participating in a union-led strike.

The Association described CHAG’s plans as unfair labour practices and emphasised that section 10(d) of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651) gave every worker the right to join a trade union and participate fully in its activities, including industrial actions.

The GRNMA also highlighted that while the law restricted strike actions by essential service providers, it equally placed a responsibility on employers to treat their concerns with urgency and seriousness.

The union accused CHAG of ignoring this obligation and instead choosing to intimidate its members.

Assurance

The association assured all affected nurses and midwives in CHAG facilities that it would use all legitimate means to protect them.

The union further warned CHAG not to touch any of its members or face further industrial action in solidarity.

The GRNMA urged all affected nurses and midwives working in CHAG facilities to remain calm and continue their duties while the union leadership worked to ensure the full implementation of their collective agreement and the protection of their rights as workers.

Meanwhile, attempts by the Daily Graphic to get a response from the Deputy Executive Director of CHAG, Dr James Dua, proved futile.