Majority Leader Hails Nurses, Midwives for Suspending Strike Amid Tough Talks

ACCRA, GHANA – Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has expressed his appreciation for the Ghanaian nurses and midwives who suspended their nationwide strike, which had begun on June 2, 2025. The strike was sparked by grievances over unpaid allowances and unfulfilled terms of a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) signed in May 2024.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Friday, Ayariga recognized the vital role nurses and midwives play in the country’s healthcare system and commended their decision to prioritize the nation’s health despite unresolved issues regarding their working conditions.

“Their decision to call off the strike is a sign of maturity and deep commitment to public service,” Ayariga stated.

He added that government officials would re-engage with the leadership of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) on Thursday, June 26, 2025, to continue negotiations on the terms of service.

Parliament’s Health Committee Facilitates Breakthrough Talks

Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane, the Chairperson of Parliament’s Health Committee, also lauded the nurses and midwives for their cooperation following a key meeting held on Thursday, June 12, at Parliament House. The four-hour session brought together top officials from the Ministry of Finance, the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, the Ministry of Health, and GRNMA leaders.

After the meeting, GRNMA leadership announced the suspension of the strike, with the condition that they would consult their members on the government’s proposals.

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Strike Impact and Stalemate Over CBA

The nearly two-week strike had severely disrupted healthcare services nationwide. Public hospitals and clinics were either shut down or forced to operate at a minimal capacity, leaving many patients stranded and exacerbating health challenges for thousands of citizens.

Nurses and midwives initiated the industrial action to demand the full implementation of their Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which was supposed to take effect from July 1, 2024. Among their primary demands were the payment of 13 months of unpaid allowances, fuel arrears, and compensation for rural postings. However, government representatives cited fiscal constraints, claiming they could not fulfill the terms of the CBA this year, a stance the GRNMA vehemently rejected.

Hope for Resolution as Talks Resume

Despite the deadlock, the suspension of the strike has created an opportunity for renewed dialogue. Both stakeholders and observers are optimistic that the upcoming negotiations on June 26, 2025, will lead to a fair and lasting resolution to prevent further disruptions in the healthcare sector.

“We appreciate their understanding and hope that with continued engagement, we can reach a fair and sustainable agreement,” Mahama Ayariga assured.

The outcome of the talks is critical, as the health and well-being of thousands of Ghanaians depend on the resolution of these ongoing disputes.