The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has said it is open to talks with the Ministry of Health but will not return to the negotiating table over issues it considers already resolved.

The statement comes amid a nationwide strike by nurses and midwives, which began on 4 June. The industrial action is in protest against the government’s failure to implement key provisions of the 2024 Collective Agreement, including allowances, incentives, and improved working conditions.

Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has appealed for calm and called for dialogue to end the strike, which has disrupted health services across the country.

However, GRNMA’s Greater Accra Regional Chairman, Jefferson Asare, speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show, insisted that while the association is ready to meet with government officials, it will not engage in any form of renegotiation.

“We are ready to meet. If we receive a letter now, we will move anywhere they want us to go. But for renegotiation, we are not ready,” Mr Asare said.

He also noted that among various health sector workers, nurses and midwives are the only group whose agreed conditions of service have not yet been implemented.

“In the health ecosystem, it is not only nurses who have problems with the conditions of service. But we are the only group whose conditions of service have not been implemented,” he added.

The strike has drawn concern from patients and advocacy groups, many of whom are urging both parties to find a swift resolution to avoid further disruption to public healthcare.

GRNMA has maintained that the government must fulfil its obligations under the agreement, warning that any attempt to reopen negotiations would be unacceptable.

Source:TheDotNews