The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has suspended its planned industrial action after receiving what it described as “satisfactory” commitments from the government during negotiations held on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.
At a press conference in Accra on Wednesday, July 16, GRNMA President Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo indicated that the decision was based on outcomes from engagements with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Health. The discussions were aimed at resolving outstanding issues in the Association’s Collective Agreement, which had prompted threats of industrial action earlier this month.
Mrs. Ofori-Ampofo explained that the talks focused on two key concerns: the 8 per cent Non-Basic Allowance and the Fuel Allowance. She noted that distortions in the implementation of the Non-Basic Allowance, intended as an upward adjustment to the Market Premium for nurses and midwives, would be addressed. “They have committed to taking urgent steps to correct those distortions,” she said.
On the matter of fuel allowances, she reported that government had agreed to apply existing government-approved rates rather than the 10.99 per cent or ex-pump rate initially referenced. The Ministry of Finance, she added, had assured the Association that provisions for the allowances would be included in the upcoming mid-year budget review.
“It was agreed that all other items listed under Appendix B of the Collective Agreement would be costed and included in the 2026 national budget,” Ms. Ofori-Ampofo stated.
Among these entitlements are allowances for Continuous Professional Development (CPD), renewal fees for PIN/AIN licences, a 13th Month Allowance, medical subsidies, and other Category 2 and 3 benefits. Under the agreement, all nurses and midwives are required to meet CPD obligations and be fully licensed by December 31, 2025, to continue practising from January 1, 2026.
While acknowledging the progress made, Mrs. Ofori-Ampofo cautioned that the Association would closely monitor implementation. “Leadership will do nothing less than pursue what has been agreed upon,” she said.
Reflecting on previous delays, she attributed them to neglect of the Collective Agreement during a government transition period and to actions within the nursing fraternity itself. “We are here today because someone chose to ignore the Collective Agreement of nurses and midwives during the transition,” she said. “More importantly, a section of our fraternity also curtailed its implementation last year.”
She emphasised the need for improved conditions of service stating that “nurses and midwives must be recognised and provided with improved working conditions.”
The GRNMA expressed appreciation to government agencies, the media, the public, and other labour unions for their support during the negotiations. “We thank our members across the country for their patience and unity,” she added.
Although discussions are ongoing and final implementation measures are pending, the Association said it remains committed to engaging with government in good faith while safeguarding the interests of its members.
Earlier, the GRNMA had threatened to embark on industrial action over unresolved conditions of service, prompting the government’s intervention.
