Parliament’s Health Committee Reports Progress in Talks with Striking Nurses

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.