The Minority Caucus in Parliament has condemned the government’s handling of the ongoing strike by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), accusing the administration of neglecting nurses’ welfare while prioritising luxury expenditures at the presidency.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, 11 June, the Minority criticised the government for failing to honour the Conditions of Service agreement it signed with the nurses in May 2024, warning that the continued neglect of frontline health workers could further erode Ghana’s struggling healthcare system.
“No nurse in Ghana must be forced to choose between taking care of themselves and putting their patients first,” the statement read. “Unfortunately, that is how far we have pushed our nurses today.”
The Minority highlighted what they described as a contradiction in government spending, pointing out that while nurses are being denied fair wages, the presidency has reportedly received GH¢2.7 billion, suggesting misplaced priorities in public expenditure.
“It is sad that nurses continue to see the failure of our country’s healthcare system improve their dignity every time they sign in to work,” the statement said, adding that nurses prefer to be at the bedside rather than protesting for their rights.
The statement also condemned recent comments by the Minister of Health, which it said sought to “pitch these overworked and undervalued essential workers against the public.” It described the minister’s remarks as irresponsible, especially in the context of reports that union leaders have left the country to avoid dialogue.
Citing the National Labor Act, the Minority Caucus reminded the government that the right to strike is legally protected and that striking workers cannot be punished for demanding fair treatment.
“It is instructive to note that every Ghanaian worker deserves to be treated with dignity and respect on the job,” the Caucus emphasised. “When employers— in this case, the Government— fail to keep their end of that bargain, workers also have the right to strike for fair and safe working conditions.”
The Minority concluded by accusing the government of retaliatory actions against striking workers, thereby forcing them into an impossible choice between fighting for workplace dignity or continuing to serve others.
“This government promised to take care of our nurses and made significant promises to them; it cannot renege now,” the statement concluded.
The nurses’ strike, which began earlier this week, has already affected services in major public health facilities across the country. The GRNMA has indicated that the strike will continue until the government meets its obligations under the existing agreement.
