Notable politicians who have reacted to the ongoing strike by nurses
These are the faces of some of the notable politicians who have commented on the strike
The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) is currently on strike over the government's failure to implement their 2024 Collective Agreement, which they argue has left their demands unmet.
The association states that the prolonged delay in fulfilling their agreed terms forced them to take industrial action.
Despite an Accra High Court ruling ordering them to return to work, they remain firm in their stance, insisting they will only resume duty once their concerns are fully addressed.
Their strike has sparked reactions from various political figures, particularly members of the opposition, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who have weighed in on the ongoing dispute.
The Member of Parliament for Ofoase-Ayirebi and former Minister of Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has shared his thoughts on the ongoing nurses' strike.
During an interview with Accra-based United Television on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, he criticised the government for failing to factor nurses into the national budget, especially given the growing concerns about their working conditions.
He questioned the government's foresight, stating, "When you were preparing the 2025 Budget, what contingency was included? You were aware that discussions around nurses and midwives were intensifying, so, why didn’t you consider them in the budget planning? Given their struggles, proper budgeting could have ensured funds were available to support them in case of future misunderstandings."
Gloria Owusu
Trobu Member of Parliament, Gloria Owusu, has added her voice to the ongoing nurses' strike, expressing deep concern over its impact on Ghanaians.
In a lengthy post on X, she highlighted how the strike is causing suffering and even loss of lives due to the disruption in healthcare services.
According to her, the Minority in Parliament attempted to bring the issue up for discussion, but the First Deputy Speaker blocked the motion and went as far as ordering the Ranking Member out of the chamber.
“Our hospitals are in crisis. Nurses and midwives are on strike. Ghanaians are suffering and dying due to the lack of care, especially women and children.
"Today, the Minority, through our Ranking Member on Health, attempted to raise this urgent issue on the floor of Parliament. Shockingly, the First Deputy Speaker refused to allow it and even ordered the Ranking Member out of the chamber,” she claimed.
Dr Nana Ayew Afriye, Member of Parliament for Effiduase/Asokore, has also called on nurses to return to work, emphasising the urgent need for healthcare services as hospitals remain empty and lives are at risk.
Expressing concern over the ongoing strike, he pleaded with nurses to prioritise the well-being of Ghanaians and resume their duties to prevent further loss of life.
“We are not here to justify the strike for them. We are here to plead with the nurses to understand that even if the government doesn’t see the need to engage them, they should go with a good faith with Ghanaians at heart because getting all the money without the lives that we have lost brings no joy to anyone,” Dr Afriye stated.
Alexander Akwasi Acquah
Former Deputy Minister of Health and Member of the Health Committee in Parliament, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, has urged the government to take responsibility for properly communicating with the striking nurses.
He emphasised that if immediate action cannot be taken to meet their demands, authorities should at least establish a clear roadmap outlining steps toward resolving their concerns.
“The government should explain the situation to the nurses, and if immediate implementation is not possible, a roadmap should be established,” Starr FM quoted him as saying.
Henry Kwabena Kokofu
Former Environmental Protection Agency boss, Henry Kwabena Kokofu, has criticised President John Mahama for excluding nurses and midwives from his priorities within the first 120 days of his administration.
In an interview with United Television, Kokofu pointed out that while the president claimed to have fulfilled all promises outlined in his 120-day social contract, he failed to address the concerns of healthcare workers.
According to Kokofu, this omission suggests that nurses and midwives are not considered a priority under the current government.
“Within his first 120 days in office, President John Mahama stated that he had fulfilled his promises. However, nurses and midwives have realised that they were not prioritised, as their concerns were not included in his 120-day social contract,” Kokofu claimed.
VKB/AE
