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

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

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

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

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

Lead poisoning threat alarms health experts and environmental advocates

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

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

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.

Ghana Co-operative Pharmacists’ Credit Union Limited (GCPCU)

Rokmer Pharma Featured in 38th Annual Report Brochure of Ghana Co-operative Pharmacists’ Credit Union

Accra, Ghana – June 5, 2025 — Rokmer Pharma Ltd is proud to announce that our brand and product artwork...

Photos: Nurses and midwives’ strike leaves some hospitals empty

Photos: Nurses and midwives’ strike leaves some hospitals empty

Photos: Nurses and midwives' strike leaves some hospitals empty

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.

Visits to many health facilities across the country on Wednesday, June 2, revealed that nurses and midwives have abandoned posts, leaving patients stranded.

Photos: Nurses and midwives' strike leaves some hospitals empty




Photos: Nurses and midwives' strike leaves some hospitals empty
Photos: Nurses and midwives' strike leaves some hospitals empty
Photos: Nurses and midwives' strike leaves some hospitals empty
Photos: Nurses and midwives' strike leaves some hospitals empty
Photos: Nurses and midwives' strike leaves some hospitals empty

NLC declares midwives and nurses’ strike illegal, orders them to call it off

NLC declares midwives and nurses’ strike illegal, orders them to call it off

NLC declares midwives and nurses' strike illegal, orders them to call it off

The National Labour Commission has declared the ongoing industrial action by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives’ Association (GRNMA) illegal, following the association’s failure to comply with procedural requirements under the Labour Act.

The ongoing strike by nurses 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.

The Ministry of Health has responded by issuing a series of emergency directives aimed at maintaining essential healthcare services while the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) proceeds with its industrial action.

According to a press release by the NLC, it received a Notice of Industrial Action from the GRNMA on May 29, 2025.

Acting swiftly under Section 162 of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651) and Regulation 20 of L.I. 1833 Labour Regulations 2007, the Commission summoned the association to appear before it on June 4, 2025.

The nurses and midwives were also directed to halt all planned actions, including wearing red bands and withdrawal of services, pending the Commission’s intervention.

While representatives from the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, the Ministry of Health, allied institutions, and the Ministry of Finance appeared before the Commission on the appointed day, the GRNMA failed to attend and proceeded with the industrial action as planned.

The Commission notes that the GRNMA did not comply with Section 159 of the Labour Act, which sets out the proper notice requirements for such actions.

Consequently, the industrial action has been declared illegal, with an immediate directive for the association to call off the strike.

The leadership of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives’ Association has been urged to continue engagements with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission regarding the implementation of the Collective Agreement and to report the outcome of discussions by June 25, 2025, at 2:30 pm.

The Commission emphasised the importance of adhering to established legal processes to ensure industrial harmony, especially given the essential services provided by nurses and midwives in the healthcare sector.

Ghana’s Dr. Delese Mimi Darko elected first Director-General of African Medicines Agency

Ghana’s Dr. Delese Mimi Darko elected first Director-General of African Medicines Agency

Mimi Darko

Ghana’s Dr. Delese Mimi Darko has been elected as the inaugural Director-General of the African Medicines Agency (AMA).

The election took place during the 2nd Ordinary Session of the Conference of State Parties held in Kigali, Rwanda, from June 2 to 4, 2025 .

Dr. Darko, who has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) since 2017, emerged as the top candidate in a competitive selection process that attracted 149 applicants from across Africa.

Ghana’s Dr. Delese Mimi Darko elected first Director-General of African Medicines Agency

Dr. Darko is expected to leverage her vast experience to steer the AMA towards achieving its mandate of ensuring the availability of quality medical products across Africa

The AMA, established under a treaty adopted by the African Union in 2019, aims to enhance the capacity of state parties and regional economic communities to regulate medical products, thereby improving access to quality, safe, and effective medicines across Africa. With its headquarters in Kigali, the agency is poised to play a pivotal role in harmonizing medical regulations and combating the proliferation of substandard and counterfeit medical products.

Dr. Darko’s election has been met with widespread acclaim. Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, congratulated her on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “I congratulate Dr. Mimi Darko and Team Ghana for the incredibly successful campaign. President Mahama deserves full plaudits for his amazing support and leadership”

Dr. Darko is expected to leverage her vast experience to steer the AMA towards achieving its mandate of ensuring the availability of quality medical products across Africa.

Her appointment represents a significant step forward in the continent’s efforts to bolster its healthcare systems and regulatory frameworks.

Strike by nurses disrupts healthcare services across Ghana

Strike by nurses disrupts healthcare services across Ghana

Empty hospital, stranded patients

The ongoing strike by nurses 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 post, leaving patients stranded.

The Ministry of Health has responded by issuing a series of emergency directives aimed at maintaining essential healthcare services while the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) proceeds with its industrial action.

In a statement released by Tony Goodman, spokesperson for the ministry, a high-level meeting took place on May 30, 2025, between the Ministry and major stakeholders in the nursing and midwifery sector. The meeting included representatives from the GRNMA, the Union of Professional Nurses and Midwives (UPNMG), the Ghana Registered Midwives Association (GRMA), the National Association of Registered Midwives (NARM-G), the Psychiatric Nurses Association of Ghana (PAPNG), and the Nurses and Midwives Educators Society.

At the meeting, the unions presented a unified demand for the implementation of a Collective Agreement signed in 2024, which they claim has not been honored. Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh assured the stakeholders that their concerns would be addressed promptly.

While most of the associations agreed to continue offering services, the GRNMA maintained its position to go ahead with the strike, prompting the Ministry to prepare for the disruption.

Strike by nurses disrupts healthcare services across Ghana

In many hospitals, nurses have abandoned post, leaving patients tranded at the OPD

Ministry responds with contingency plans

In anticipation of the strike’s impact, the Ministry has instructed public health facilities to activate contingency plans. Key measures include:

  • Hospital managers, especially Directors of Nursing Services and their Deputies, are required to be present at work throughout the strike period.
  • Unit heads must ensure that maternity and emergency services remain operational in all hospitals.
  • The Ambulance Service is to remain on standby across all districts to assist with emergency cases.
  • Coordinating structures are to be set up to manage emergencies, ensuring a continuous link with ambulance services.
  • Daily reports on service delivery from the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, CEO’s, and Medical Directors of Teaching Hospitals will be submitted to the Acting Chief Director of the Ministry.
  • The Ministry will collaborate with quasi-government health facilities to handle the expected increase in patient numbers during the strike.
  • Rotational nurses and nurses undergoing mandatory clinicals have been advised not to participate in the strike.

The Ministry emphasized that it is closely monitoring the situation to ensure that all necessary logistics and support systems are in place to mitigate the disruption caused by the industrial action.

While acknowledging the nurses and midwives who have chosen not to join the strike, the Ministry has reiterated its appeal to the GRNMA to reconsider its decision, highlighting that discussions are ongoing to resolve the outstanding issues.