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 nationwide Tree for Life programme officially began last Thursday, aiming to restore over seven million hectares of degraded land across Ghana. President John Dramani Mahama launched the month-long initiative by encouraging every Ghanaian to plant at least one tree in June.

To kick-start the campaign, the President planted a ceremonial tree at the Kwabenya Community Senior High School in Accra. The goal is to plant 30 million trees nationwide within the month.

The event brought together key national and international stakeholders, including government officials, traditional leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, and development partners, all united in their support for the environmental campaign.

“I entreat everyone in Ghana to actively participate in this important national task for the benefit of current and future generations,” President Mahama urged.

Launch of “One Child, One Tree”

Coinciding with World Environment Day, the event also marked the launch of the One Child, One Tree initiative, a major component of the Tree for Life programme. This initiative aims to involve students directly in reforestation efforts by providing each child with a seedling to plant and care for in schools or communities.

The programme was endorsed by several key ministers, including Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (Lands and Natural Resources), Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed (Environment, Science and Technology), Haruna Iddrisu (Education), and Abla Dzifa Gomashie (Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts). Also in attendance were CEOs of the Forestry Commission, Environmental Protection Authority, Members of Parliament, and other development partners.

President Mahama emphasized that the initiative is designed to foster a culture of environmental stewardship among the youth, ensuring each child contributes meaningfully to restoring the nation’s ecosystems.

A Step Towards Environmental Transformation

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu described the initiative as a transformative step towards cultivating eco-consciousness in students. He noted that the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with other agencies, would oversee the distribution of seedlings to schools nationwide and introduce new educational modules focused on environmental sustainability.

Planting Strategy and Scope

Dr. Hugh Brown, CEO of the Forestry Commission, outlined the planting strategy, which includes urban areas, rural communities, school compounds, farmlands, riverbanks, and degraded forest reserves.

Tree planting by the general public will take place from June 5 to June 30. Additional components of the programme include:

Creation of 10,000 hectares of forest plantation through the Modified Taungya System (MTS), involving local communities.

Direct planting of 2,000 hectares by Youth Forest Champions.

Distribution of seedlings to farmers for agroforestry.

Reclamation of 500 hectares of mined-out lands.

Enrichment planting in degraded forest reserves.

Public Urged to Join the Cause

Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo urged Ghanaians to tackle environmental challenges such as plastic pollution and actively support the Tree for Life initiative.

“This is a national responsibility. Every Ghanaian must play a role in rejuvenating our environment for the benefit of future generations,” she said.