The Ministry of Health has called on the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) to reconsider its decision to embark on a series of industrial actions.

In a statement signed by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Tony Goodman, the decision by the association was described as “shocking,” particularly given the numerous engagements held with the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, on the issue.

The Ministry noted that significant progress had been made under the current administration to improve the welfare of health workers, including the introduction and implementation of the first-ever Conditions of Service agreement for health workers in 2015.

The statement further indicated that since taking office, the Minister has met with the association’s leadership on five occasions. Although the revised Conditions of Service were initially set to take effect in 2024, their implementation has encountered delays.

“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 statement said.

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to resolving the issue and appealed to the GRNMA leadership to demonstrate good faith and continue engagements in the interest of the nation’s healthcare system.