A/R: Ongoing nurses and midwives strike bites hard despite court injunction

The Ashanti Regional branch of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has withdrawn all services across public health facilities in the region, effective Monday, June 9, 2025.

The strike affects all aspects of care, including in-patient, out-patient, emergency, and antenatal services, leaving hospitals without essential medical personnel.

This action comes despite an interlocutory injunction secured by the National Labour Commission (NLC) on Thursday, June 5, 2025. However, the GRNMA maintains that it has not been officially served with the injunction and therefore considers the strike lawful and ongoing.

Demands Remain Unmet
Speaking on Otec FM’s morning show “Nyansapo,” the Ashanti Regional Chairman of GRNMA, Philemon Adu Brempong, emphasized that the strike would continue until the government responds to their demands.

“Until all our demands are met, nurses and midwives in the region have redrawn all services; we are not attending work,” he told host Kwaku Owusu Boateng.

He expressed disappointment in the government’s failure to honor the 2024 Collective Agreement, particularly regarding unpaid critical allowances owed to nurses and midwives.

Government Spending Questioned
Adu Brempong criticized what he described as misplaced government priorities, pointing out that while funds have been released for historical site renovations, essential healthcare workers remain neglected.

“How come the government has released funds for the renovation of castles and forts in the country, and has refused to heed our demands? The healthcare of citizens should be a priority,” he emphasized.

Patients Left Stranded
Reporting from key health facilities including Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Manhyia District Hospital, and Suntreso Government Hospital, Otec FM journalist Agya Sam described a chaotic situation with patients left unattended.

“Few nurses were seen at these hospitals doing absolutely nothing, consulting rooms are closed with patients, including pregnant women, sitting in long queues,” he reported.

GRNMA Holds Its Ground
Despite the court injunction, the GRNMA insists it has not been formally served and remains committed to the strike. The association has vowed not to return to work until all outstanding issues are addressed, particularly the implementation of their collective agreement and the payment of critical allowances.