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“Aluta Continua”: Nurses’ strike persists as GRNMA awaits official injunction notice

The nationwide strike by nurses and midwives continues unabated, plunging the healthcare sector into a deeper crisis, as the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) maintains it has yet to receive formal notification of a High Court injunction ordering a return to work.

Despite the National Labour Commission (NLC) securing an interlocutory injunction on Thursday, June 5, 2025, the GRNMA insists its “struggle continues” until legally served.

The industrial action, which commenced on Tuesday, June 4, has brought vital healthcare services across over 300 public hospitals and clinics in all 16 regions to a near standstill.

Thousands of patients have been left stranded, with emergency units operating minimally and scheduled surgeries postponed indefinitely.

Vulnerable populations, including pregnant women attending antenatal clinics and young children requiring routine immunisations, have been disproportionately affected by the sudden halt in non-emergency patient care, which has seen an 80-90% reduction in some facilities.

READ ALSO: High Court restrains GRNMA from continuing with strike for 10 days

Speaking to Citi News on Friday, June 6, Joseph Krampah, Public Relations Officer for the GRNMA, articulated the association’s firm stance.

“They think that they should serve us a letter; we can’t prevent them, but what constitutes an illegal strike? When in Ghana has the Labour Commission said that this strike is legal? It is only illegal when they don’t inform your office about the intended strike, and we did—you had the letter,” Krampah asserted, challenging the NLC’s declaration that their action is illegal.

He continued, echoing the defiant motto, “If you are declaring it as illegal or whatever and you are bringing an injunction, that is your job to do, and we respect the court and the NLC very much. We are law-abiding people. But just that things that we have not seen, we cannot act on them. I am saying that we haven’t received any letter. None of the executives has been served with any letter about that. So till we know that, aluta continua.”

The GRNMA launched the strike to protest persistent delays in the implementation of their 2024 Collective Agreement.

Key grievances include the non-payment of various critical allowances, such as responsibility, uniform, and non-basic allowances, which collectively amount to millions of cedis owed over time.

Additionally, the association cites the plight of over 5,000 newly qualified nurses and midwives who have been awaiting official postings since late 2024, a significant impediment to their professional integration.

While the NLC’s injunction from the High Court’s Industrial and Labour Division aims to compel the GRNMA’s over 128,000 members back to their posts, the technicality of non-service has created an unusual impasse.

The coming days will likely determine whether the legal process can swiftly deliver the injunction notice to the GRNMA leadership, or if the healthcare crisis will deepen as the “struggle continues.”

Health Minister calls for independent mediation to end nurses’ strike

The Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, is urging the immediate formation of an independent mediation body to help resolve the deepening standoff between the government and striking nurses and midwives.

The call comes as the nationwide industrial action enters its fourth day, leaving many hospitals overwhelmed and patients stranded.

Thousands of nurses and midwives have withdrawn their services in protest over delays in implementing their agreed Conditions of Service.

Speaking to JoyNews, Mr. Akandoh expressed grave concern over the impact of the strike on public health and stressed the urgency of reaching a consensus.

• Read also: Strike by nurses disrupts healthcare services across Ghana

“Our last meeting before they declared the road map, we agreed that all the stakeholders must come together and see how we can all implement this thing,” he said.

“Yesterday, a similar thing happened. So I’m even informed that the Fair Wages [Commission] on Monday is also willing.”

He continued, “We want to be very objective. An independent body should come in here. The independent body will be able to look into the face of the Minister of Health or Minister of Finance and say, ‘You are supposed to do this, so let’s go this route.’”

Mr. Akandoh emphasised the need for cooperation rather than confrontation.

“We are not ready to intimidate anybody, and I pray and hope that nobody is also prepared to intimidate the government. Let’s sit around the table, find a solution to the matter, and have frank discussions.”

Appealing to both sides to lower tensions, the minister added: “Let’s massage our egos, let’s put our emotions aside. We have Ghanaians to protect. We have Ghanaians to save their lives. We have an economy to run.”

However, the Registered Nurses and Midwives Association remains firm in its demands. The General Secretary, Dr. David Tenkorang, insists the strike will only be called off once the government begins implementing the agreed Conditions of Service.

“We deal with employer. The employer is the same. Government may change, but the employer is the same,” he said.

“The Ministry of Health hasn’t changed, but the government has changed hands. It doesn’t mean that whatever agreement was reached with the employer should be curtailed.”

He emphasised the urgency of the situation and the sacrifices made by healthcare workers.

“I think that we have had enough patience for this administration. These are demands that can easily be met, and I don’t see why they should drag this,” he argued.

“There is no need to see to the demise of any Ghanaian. We are ready to work and protect our people. Even during COVID, we stood solidly and we provided essential services. If there’s any time the employer should reward nurses and midwives, it’s now.”

Dr. Tenkorang also raised concerns over the increasing number of trained nurses and midwives leaving the country for better opportunities.

“Those who are remaining have sacrificed. They can also travel. But the thing is, all of us cannot leave. We need to remain in Ghana, to build Ghana together.”

Greater Accra: Ambulance shortage forces dispatchers to prioritise only critical cases

The Head of Dispatch at the Ghana National Ambulance Service for the Greater Accra Region, Joyce Avadzinu, has revealed that the region is grappling with a severe shortage of ambulances, significantly hampering timely emergency responses.

In an interview with Citi FM, Ms Avadzinu disclosed that only 42 ambulances are currently operational across the entire region.

This constraint has compelled the service to ration their deployment, with dispatchers forced to reserve vehicles for only the most life-threatening emergencies.

“We are managing because, with the 42 ambulances, most of them are already out on calls when new requests come in. If it’s an inter-hospital transfer and the patient can wait, we ask them to do so,” she said.

“We deliberately hold back some ambulances for serious cases like road traffic accidents or sudden collapses.”

She explained that the limited fleet requires constant coordination with individual ambulance stations.

Dispatchers must keep track of the vehicles in use and adjust deployment in real time to ensure that emergency coverage is maintained.

“So, anytime we dispatch an ambulance, we alert other stations to be on standby. Once the vehicle returns, it can be redeployed. It is far from ideal, but we are doing our best with the resources at our disposal,” Ms Avadzinu added.

Brogya Foundation wins “Outstanding Humanitarian Initiative in Child Welfare Award”

Child care and health-focused charity organization,  Brogya Foundation, has been recognized for its exceptional contributions to child welfare with the prestigious  “Outstanding Humanitarian Initiative Award” at the Ghana Outstanding Community Leadership Awards (GOCLA), held on May 30, 2025, at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra.

The GOCLA Awards, which is powered by The Business Executive, recognizes social change makers and organizations that are driving progress in underserved communities, reinforcing the value of leadership rooted in service and humanitarian works..

Brogya Foundation was honoured for its transformative initiatives aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable children across Ghana—notably, donation of life-saving medical equipment such as infant incubators and phototherapy machines to the children’s ward at Agogo Presbyterian Hospital, significantly reducing infant mortality rates due to jaundice.

Commenting on the award, the founder and president of the organization, who is also the Dompeahene of Asante Akyem Agogo, Nana Bediako Brogya Sarpong, said: “This award is a testament to the power of compassion, collaboration, and community.”

“We dedicate this honor to our partners, supporters, and every individual who continues to believe in our mission,” he added.

Beyond healthcare, the Brogya Foundation has also supported education by distributing learning materials and over 1,000 pairs of shoes to underprivileged children. The organization regularly hosts inclusive events to uplift marginalized youth through community engagement and resource provision.

In its most ambitious project to date, the foundation partnered with renowned Ghanaian-American plastic surgeon Dr. Michael K. Obeng and his U.S.-based Restore Worldwide Foundation to offer a week-long free surgical mission at Agogo Presbyterian Hospital.

Over 300 reconstructive surgeries were performed for individuals with physical deformities caused by birth defects or trauma. Patients traveled from across Ghana and neighboring African countries to receive care, restoring not only their health but also their dignity and self-confidence.

GRNMA strike: Sick pockets can’t take care of sick patients – Ashanti GRNMA

Agitated nurses at some public health facilities in Kumasi say they are prepared to escalate the industrial action if the government fails to heed to their concerns.

Leaders of the striking health workers say that members are “emotionally and financially sick”, hence the action to turn away patients to drum home their pressing needs.

At the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, local PRO of the Ghana Registered Nurses’ and Midwives’ Association (GRNMA), Martha Yiadom, said the government’s delay in implementing the agreed conditions of service is distressing.

Meanwhile, the Assistant Secretary of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), Ebenezer Acquah, says the stagnant service conditions are driving high attrition rates among nurses and healthcare practitioners.

He stated that the implementation of the agreed conditions of service is a test case of the government’s commitment to the welfare of health workers.

It’s time gov’t heeds our call – GRNMA urges swift action amid worsening health crisis

The nationwide strike by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), has plunged emergency services at major government hospitals into disarray, leaving patients stranded and healthcare delivery severely disrupted.

On the second day of the industrial action, facilities such as the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge Hospital) witnessed deserted outpatient departments (OPDs) and emergency wards. Patients arriving for urgent care find themselves without assistance, as the absence of nurses has brought routine operations to a standstill.

Speaking to JoyNews, the GRNMA General Secretary, David Tenkorang, issued a clear call for the government to urgently approve and implement the conditions of service that have already been negotiated and signed. He warned that the strike would continue until decisive action is taken.

“It’s time the government heeds the call,” Mr Tenkorang said. “This strike is deeply regrettable and painful, but necessary. Nurses and midwives have endured neglect for far too long. The conditions of service have been negotiated, signed, and sealed. What remains is for the government to approve and implement them. We will not return to the negotiating table — that chapter is closed.”

He highlighted distressing cases that reveal the human cost of the strike. In Wa, a pregnant woman bitten by a snake was denied emergency care and sent away untreated. At the Pampaso Children’s Hospital in the Ashanti Region, another pregnant woman, six months pregnant and suffering severe burns, was also turned away.

“These are just a few examples,” he explained. “Countless others suffer daily. It breaks our hearts to witness this. But if we fail to stand firm now, nurses and midwives will continue to be overlooked and undervalued.”

Meanwhile, the National Labour Commission (NLC) declared the strike illegal, accusing the GRNMA of boycotting a meeting to address the dispute. Mr Tenkorang responded by accusing the NLC of violating labour laws by failing to act within the legally required time-frame.

“We notified the NLC on 28th May. Under Section 162 of the Labour Act, the Commission has three days to initiate compulsory arbitration in disputes involving essential services. Instead, they only sent an invitation for a meeting on 4th June, well beyond the deadline. He who comes to equity must come with clean hands, and the NLC clearly failed in its duties.”

Mr Tenkorang also condemned the ongoing inequality facing nurses and midwives, who remain excluded from the improved conditions of service enjoyed by other healthcare professionals.

“Every other health worker benefits from these conditions or better. Nurses and midwives are the fulcrum of the health system. If we are truly essential, then our welfare must be treated as such.”

While the association is willing to discuss the details of implementation, Mr Tenkorang emphasised that the core agreement is not open to renegotiation.

“We are willing to return to work once the Minister of Finance approves the conditions of service that have already been negotiated. We understand that implementation may bring challenges, and we are prepared to sit down and work through the nuances of how to put the agreement into practice. But the conditions themselves have been finalised, signed, and sealed.”

He expressed sympathy for the suffering public but stressed the necessity of the strike.

“We are deeply troubled by the pain endured by Ghanaians. Seeing pregnant women crying outside hospitals is unbearable. But this sacrifice is necessary to safeguard the dignity and welfare of nurses and midwives. We trust the employer will ultimately heed our demands,” he said.

As the strike continues, pressure mounts on the government to resolve the impasse and restore essential health services before more lives are lost.

Health Minister appeals to striking nurses and midwives to return to work

The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has issued a passionate plea to members of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives’ Association (GRNMA) to consider the well-being of patients and return to the negotiation table, following an industrial action that has left many health facilities across the country understaffed.

The ongoing strike by nurses and midwives in public hospitals across Ghana continues to severely impact healthcare delivery, leaving patients stranded and medical services disrupted.

In many health facilities, nurses have abandoned posts, leaving patients stranded.

Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse show on Thursday, the Minister emphasised the government’s commitment to resolving the impasse, calling for unity and dialogue during what he described as a critical period for the nation’s healthcare system.

“I believe that in all these matters, my brothers and sisters should put the Ghanaian patient into consideration,” Mr Akandoh stated. “We are not tired; we are operating an open-door policy, and I am ready to engage anybody at any given time. Until we find a lasting solution to this matter, we will not relax.”

The strike, declared illegal by the National Labour Commission, has seen quite a number of nurses and midwives withdraw their services over unresolved concerns relating to working conditions and remuneration.

According to Mr Akandoh, a high-level meeting was convened recently, bringing together key stakeholders, including the Ministers of Health and Finance, representatives from the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, and the Labour Commission.

However, the GRNMA failed to attend the crucial discussions.

“Just yesterday [Wednesday], all the other stakeholders were brought on board,” he said. “The Minister of Health was around the table, the Minister of Finance was around the table, Fair Wages was there, Labour Commission was there — but my brothers and sisters couldn’t come.”

The Health Minister reiterated the importance of dialogue and expressed confidence in the commitment of the Finance Ministry to address the underlying issues.

“We have been in constant interaction with the Minister of Finance. This goes beyond the Ministry of Health,” he explained. “I can tell you the Minister of Finance is committed to finding solutions on this matter.”

Mr Akandoh cautioned that simultaneous industrial action and negotiations are counterproductive and urged the association to return to talks in good faith.

“We cannot be on a strike and be negotiating at the same time,” he stressed.

“I am ready to be on board fully to make sure that we have an amicable solution to this matter and they return to the various hospitals and do what they are supposed to do — for the betterment of the country, so that we don’t lose any life that is preventable,” he concluded.

Lead poisoning threat alarms health experts and environmental advocates

Growing concerns over widespread lead poisoning in parts of Ghana have prompted urgent calls for action from health officials and environmental experts. At the launch of the Coalition Against Lead Pollution Project in Prampram, experts highlighted the devastating effects of lead exposure, especially on children and pregnant women.

Dr. Patience Ami Mamattah, Ningo Prampram Municipal Health Director, warned of the long-term impact of lead contamination, citing new research by environmental NGO Pure Earth and its partners. The study, which tested 405 children, found that nearly 60% had dangerously high levels of lead in their blood.

“Exposure from sources like used car batteries, smelting, and open burning is extremely harmful, especially to children and pregnant women. We must act urgently,” said Dr. Mamattah.

According to the findings, lead poisoning causes irreversible damage to vital organs, including the brain, kidneys, and liver. In children, even low levels of exposure can lead to developmental delays, learning difficulties, and other neurological issues.

Dr. Esther Priscilla Biamah Dan Quansah, Health Director for the Kpone Katamanso Municipality, called for a more proactive approach, urging health authorities to treat children already affected—just as awareness campaigns are being prioritized.

“We must match education efforts with treatment. These children need urgent medical attention,” she said.
Esmond Wisdom Quansah, Country Director of Pure Earth, emphasized that collaboration across sectors is essential to mitigating the crisis.

“This issue cannot be tackled in silos. We need stronger cooperation between health professionals, environmental regulators, and local governments,” he stated.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also expressed concern. Letitia Abra-Kom Nyaaba, Acting Director of the Ghana National Cleaner Production Centre, noted that unsafe recycling practices and poor waste handling are key contributors to lead exposure.

“Proper disposal and recycling of lead-based materials—especially used batteries—can drastically reduce the risk,” she said.

The launch event brought together officials from the Ningo Prampram and Kpone Katamanso Municipal Assemblies, schoolchildren, and civil society organizations.

Sweet Surgical Sculpts founder offers free surgery to June 3 disaster victim

Founder of Sweet Surgical Sculpts, Dr. Kwadwo Adae, has offered to help 21-year-old Solomon Akugru, a victim of the tragic June 3 disaster, which occurred at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle in 2015.

It has already been a decade since that devastating event, which claimed over 150 lives and left many injured.

For Solomon, the trauma remains not just in memory but in the visible scars on his face and the quiet pain of abandoned dreams.

Dr. Adae’s offer came during Solomon’s interview on Joy Prime’s Changes show with Roselyn Felli, aired on Wednesday, June 4, 2025.

During the conversation, online journalist Kobby Kyei said Solomon had received some support from the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) following the publication of his story, where he was seen begging on the streets to support his daily needs.

When asked if he was satisfied with the support so far, Solomon responded, “Yes”, but made one final request: he wished to undergo surgery to correct the scars on his face.

READ ALSO: Freedom at last: Court of Appeal acquits Ataa Ayi’s alleged accomplice after 23 years in prison

 “I need someone who will help me do a surgery so I can look normal again,” he said in Twi.

A few minutes later, Dr. Adae joined the conversation and assured Solomon of his support, promising to sponsor the surgery once he is deemed fit following medical evaluations.

According to Dr. Adae, the type of surgery required will depend on the results of the medical tests and laboratory procedures.

 “Looking at how he looks now and the scarring of his face, I won’t be able to tell if it’s doable or not now. We’ll need to examine and see if there’s any functional impairment. When I say functional impairment, you see that the scar is almost across all the face, around the lips, the nose and almost across all the face. So we need to find out if he can even open his mouth fully or breathe normally, and if he can close his lips tightly. Based on all that, then we’ll know whether we need to correct one or leave the other,” Dr. Adae explained.

He assured that the medical examination is expected to begin in June, with the aim of determining a suitable date for the surgery, which will be performed in Kumasi, where his facility is located.

Beyond his profession as a surgeon, Dr. Adae is also known for his philanthropic work, supporting individuals with similar conditions who cannot afford treatment.

There is hope that Solomon Akugru will successfully go through the necessary medical examinations and eventually undergo the surgery to restore his facial appearance and boost his confidence.

Solomon had always dreamed of becoming a successful lawyer, but the tragic event shattered that ambition, as he has been unable to continue his education since the incident.

However, as the saying goes, “Where there’s life, there’s hope.”

At 21, Solomon has chosen to pursue a new path, setting his sights on learning a trade in tiling, a dream now made possible with the support of NEIP CEO Eric Adjei, who has provided him with the necessary tools.