The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has called off its nationwide strike following what it described as “very fruitful” discussions with Parliament’s Select Committee on Health.

The industrial action, which commenced on June 2, 2025, stemmed from delays in the implementation of a Collective Agreement signed in May 2024. What began as a symbolic protest with nurses wearing red armbands escalated into a full-blown withdrawal of outpatient and emergency services by June 9, significantly disrupting healthcare delivery nationwide.

In a press statement released on Friday, June 13, GRNMA announced the suspension of the strike, citing strong public appeals and the timely intervention of Parliament’s Health Committee.

“The engagement held with the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health and other stakeholders on Thursday, June 12, 2025, was very productive and laid the groundwork for a peaceful resolution of the dispute,” the statement noted.

The association has directed all nurses and midwives to return to duty beginning Saturday, June 14. A follow-up meeting with Parliament has been scheduled for June 26 to finalize the path forward on implementing the agreement.

GRNMA also took the opportunity to address circulating misinformation, stressing that the strike was neither politically driven nor intended to harm patients.

“We do not find satisfaction in seeing our patients suffer. But we cannot provide quality care when the system fails to support us,” the association stated.

Reaffirming its neutrality, GRNMA underscored its role as a non-partisan professional body that has consistently engaged all governments over its 65-year history to advocate for improved conditions for nurses and midwives.

“In our 65 years of existence, GRNMA has never been affiliated with any political party. We have worked with every government since 1960 to build a stronger, more resilient healthcare system,” the statement emphasized.

The association expressed appreciation to the Chairman, Ranking Member, and members of the Health Committee for their structured and decisive intervention. It also extended gratitude to its members for their unity and professionalism during the strike, and acknowledged the media for highlighting their concerns.

“We thank the media sincerely for amplifying our voices across Ghana and beyond. We urge continued professionalism to guard against misinformation,” the statement concluded.

GRNMA assured the public that it remains committed to seeing the full implementation of the Collective Agreement.

The Chairman of Parliament’s Health Committee, Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane, has described recent negotiations with the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) and other key stakeholders as productive and encouraging. The discussions aimed at resolving the ongoing nationwide strike by the association’s members.

Dr. Nawaane expressed appreciation for the cooperation shown by all parties involved, including representatives from the Ministries of Health and Finance, who attended the meeting following the committee’s invitation.

“We’ve had very fruitful discussions,” he said. “There was a mutual effort to understand each other’s positions, and we’ve worked to align our actions moving forward. While the nurses must now consult their council before making any decisions, the dialogue has been positive.”

He also described the nurses’ attitude as respectful and cooperative, stating: “It’s like when the family head sends you to negotiate — you must first report back before any decisions are made.”

Supporting Dr. Nawaane’s remarks, Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie, the Ranking Member of the committee, confirmed that the nurses would meet with their council and expressed optimism: “We’re hopeful for good news.”

The closed-door meeting, which lasted from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. yesterday, was held to allow committee members to directly hear the grievances of the striking nurses and explore potential solutions. In attendance were the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, and officials from the Ministries of Health and Finance, as well as the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC).

Meanwhile, the ongoing strike by public sector nurses continues to strain healthcare services across the country, with several major hospitals struggling to maintain basic care in largely abandoned wards.

The industrial action, led by the GRNMA, was triggered by delays in finalizing negotiations on conditions of service, along with unresolved concerns about allowances, accommodation, and excessive workloads. The association has criticized both the Ministry of Health and the FWSC for not fulfilling previous commitments.

In response, the Ministry of Health has appealed to the nurses to return to work while talks continue, warning that the ongoing strike could severely impact the already overstretched public healthcare system.

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) in the Volta Region has destroyed counterfeit pharmaceutical products valued at GH₵42 million, following a series of seizures across the Volta and Oti regions.

The destroyed products included aphrodisiacs, emergency contraceptives, body enhancement supplements, antibiotics, and various processed foods. A large portion of these items was intercepted at the Ghana-Togo border in Akanu, where they were being smuggled into the country. Additional products were seized during routine market surveillance and raids.

To ensure safe and environmentally responsible disposal, the FDA collaborated with the Jospong Group of Companies’ Medical Waste Treatment Facility in Akrofu. The items were first shredded and disinfected before final disposal through incineration.

Gordon Akurugu, the Volta Regional Director of the FDA, emphasized the legal procedures for drug importation. He noted that all pharmaceutical imports must come through designated entry points such as the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) or the Tema Port — not inland borders.

“We want to make it clear that pharmaceutical products are not permitted through inland borders, particularly from Nigeria. Any individual caught doing so will face arrest and have their products confiscated,” he warned.

Mr. Akurugu urged the public to avoid purchasing drugs from unauthorized vendors to protect themselves from potentially harmful counterfeit medications. He encouraged consumers to rely on licensed pharmacies, approved chemical sellers, and hospitals for their pharmaceutical needs.

“Many of these products are deceptive. Items like counterfeit Procold, Postino 2, and various aphrodisiacs may appear effective, but they come with serious health risks,” he cautioned.

He also advised drivers and transport operators not to assist smugglers, warning that the FDA would continue to clamp down on illegal drug distribution networks.

In support of the operation, Ho Municipal Environmental Health Officer Rev. Lawrence Senya highlighted the importance of proper disposal. He noted that improperly discarded drugs often end up being picked and redistributed back into communities, posing a major health risk.

He called on the public to help identify illegal drug sellers, particularly those operating informally on the streets and in lorry stations.

“Anyone selling drugs from a bag on the street has likely bypassed all regulatory checks. We urge the public not to buy such medicines and report these vendors,” he said.

Both officials called for continued collaboration between stakeholders and the public to combat the sale and distribution of unapproved pharmaceutical products.