The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has issued a warning that the full implementation of the demands currently specified in the conditions of service for nurses and midwives could greatly destabilize Ghana’s economy.
His warning comes in the context of a nationwide strike by members of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), who are calling for immediate improvements in service conditions.
During a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, Akandoh reaffirmed the government’s willingness to engage in dialogue but emphasized the economic difficulties associated with the current proposals.
“The government will once again emphasize its readiness to engage further with the aim of implementing the conditions of service in a way that does not disrupt the national budget,” he remarked.
He elaborated that the proposed benefits were not included in the national financial plan.
“We wish to highlight that the conditions in question are not included in the 2025 budget and would completely derail the economy if implemented immediately in their current form.”
Akandoh stressed the government’s awareness of the risks linked to unplanned expenditures.
“We are cognizant of the serious economic repercussions of unbudgeted spending, and we aim to prevent the economic factors that contributed to the crisis initially,” he stated.
The ongoing strike has caused significant disruptions to health services nationwide, with numerous public health facilities now functioning with reduced staff.
The minister urged the leadership of the GRNMA to return to the negotiating table and strive for a compromise.
