Govt approves uniform, fuel allowances for nurses, talks on remaining demands continue

The government has granted two of the allowances demanded by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA).

The two allowances were agreed at a high-stakes meeting between the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health, the association and the government team. The allowances will feature in the mid-year budget review expected to be presented to Parliament on Thursday.

Daily Graphic checks from multiple sources have revealed that the allowances are uniform and fuel.

The government is also engaging the association to ensure that the rest of the items contained in the conditions of service could be implemented from next year, the Daily Graphic gathered.

The meeting facilitated by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health was to find a lasting solution to the dispute over the implementation of GRNMA’s 2024 Conditions of Service.

At the meeting yesterday, the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, acknowledged the GRNMA’s concerns and demands, reiterating the government’s position on further consultation and engagement.

He emphasised the need for mutual respect and cooperation, highlighting the progress made so far in the negotiations.

The Parliamentary Select Committee on Health, chaired by the Member of Parliament for Nabdam, Naawane Kurt Mark, facilitated a constructive discussion, assuring the GRNMA of the committee’s neutrality and willingness to facilitate a resolution.

“We are committed to finding a solution that works for all parties involved. We urge continued engagement and collaboration to address the concerns and demands of the GRNMA,” he said.

Association, further engagements

The GRNMA President, Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, emphasised the importance of implementing key allowances to improve nurses’ and midwives’ welfare, motivate and retain them.

However, the GRNMA expressed disappointment with the government’s proposal, which they deemed unacceptable.

The leaders of the association agreed to inform its members about the government’s position and the outcome of the meeting.

Daily Graphic checks also indicate that the association has already informed its members, but said its strike only remained suspended and not cancelled.

The Chief Executive of the FWSC, Dr George Smith Graham, gave the assurance that engagements would start soon, explaining that it was not a renegotiation but to address the remaining demands.

The commission has scheduled further engagements with the GRNMA for next Tuesday.

Both parties at the end of the meeting agreed to further engagement and work together to find a solution to the impasse and expressed the hope for a resolution that benefits the nurses and midwives in Ghana.

Background

The GRNMA embarked on a nationwide strike on June 4, 2025, citing the government’s failure to honour agreements reached on May 20, 2024.

Despite the National Labour Commission declaring the strike illegal, the GRNMA insisted on continuing the industrial action until their demands were met. 

However, following an appeal by the government and the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health, the association suspended its strike on June 14, 2025, pending further negotiations.

Source: Graphic Online