Labour Minister Dr. Rashid Pelpuo has appealed to the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) to reconsider their ongoing nationwide strike, citing the need for engagement with the new government administration.
Speaking on PM Express, the Minister and Member of Parliament for Wa Central expressed concern over the decision by nurses and midwives to embark on industrial action without prior dialogue with the Ministry of Labour.
“We are more than shocked. We are disturbed. We are worried that they could go into a decision of a strike without much talk with us, If they started what they said they started a year ago or two years ago, this is a new administration.” – Dr. Pelpuo stated.
GRNMA Strike: A Breakdown in Negotiations
The strike, which began on Monday, followed a breakdown in negotiations between the GRNMA and the Ministry of Health. The core issue involves government’s proposal to delay implementation of new conditions of service until 2026—a proposal the GRNMA has rejected outright.
Despite the impasse, Dr. Pelpuo emphasized that government remains open to dialogue, urging the association to reconsider its position.
“We are doing everything we can to ensure we have a stable economy and a stable society. We are ready to work with labour unions to secure their support in building this country,” he said.
Lack of Pre-Strike Engagement a Missed Opportunity
Dr. Pelpuo also revealed that he was not given the opportunity to engage with the leadership of the GRNMA before the strike action began.
“I had a chat with the president of the Nurses and Midwives Association and expressed disappointment that I wasn’t given the chance to speak with them beforehand,” he noted.
He added that such a conversation might have resulted in a different outcome.
“I informed her that I wish we had had some conversation—just as she had with other sector ministers—before the decision to strike.”
Call for Calm and Continued Negotiation
While the strike continues, Dr. Pelpuo is calling for calm, reflection, and a return to the negotiation table. He reassured the GRNMA that the doors remain open for constructive engagement.
