Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, on Wednesday called on striking nurses and midwives to return to the negotiating table, warning that the ongoing industrial action could result in avoidable loss of life.
Speaking in an interview with JoyNews, Mr. Akandoh expressed concern over the growing impact of the strike, which began on June 2 and is expected to escalate to a full walkout by June 9. “With the greatest of respect, lives lost can never be replaced,” he said. “We are not ready to intimidate anybody, and I hope nobody wants to intimidate government.”
The industrial action, led by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), stems from grievances over the government’s failure to implement a collective bargaining agreement brokered under the previous Akufo-Addo administration.
Mr. Akandoh, who took office earlier this year, said he has engaged with union leaders since assuming the role, and was “shocked” by the decision to initiate the strike despite ongoing discussions. “Government is a continuum, so any demand which is legitimate must be pursued by the Minister,” he said. “I operate an open-door policy and am ready to meet anyone at any time.”
As the strike stretches into its fourth day, its toll on public health services is mounting. A pregnant woman suffering from a snake bite was reportedly turned away from care — one of several distressing incidents cited by Mr. Akandoh in his appeal. “These are all the things we want to avoid,” he said. “I get emotional when I hear of some of these things.”
He emphasized that while the Ministry of Health is the employer of the nurses and midwives, resolution of the dispute also hinges on cooperation from the Ministry of Finance. According to Mr. Akandoh, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has indicated his commitment to addressing the workers’ concerns.
“They [GRNMA leaders] have been in constant touch with the Ministry of Finance because this goes beyond the Ministry of Health,” Mr. Akandoh said. “I can tell you the Ministry of Finance is fully committed to finding a solution. But we cannot be on strike and negotiate at the same time.”
The Health Minister urged union leaders to set aside emotions and resume dialogue in the interest of public welfare. “Let’s massage our egos, let’s put emotions aside, let’s find a solution,” he said. “We will not rest until we find a lasting resolution to this matter.”
The Ministry of Health, he said, remains ready to engage “even today.”
Source:TheDotNews