Government approves key allowances for Nurses and Midwives Association

The government has approved two key allowances demanded by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) as part of efforts to resolve ongoing labour concerns.

According to a report by graphic.com.gh, the allowances, uniform and fuel, were agreed upon during a high-level meeting involving the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health, a government delegation, and leadership of the GRNMA.

The two allowances are expected to be captured in the Mid-Year Budget Review, which is scheduled to be presented to Parliament on Thursday July 24, 2025.

The meeting, chaired by the Member of Parliament for Nabdam and Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health, Naawane Kurt Mark, was convened to help resolve the impasse surrounding the 2024 Conditions of Service for nurses and midwives.

Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, acknowledged the association’s concerns and emphasised the government’s willingness to continue consultations aimed at a comprehensive resolution.

He stressed the importance of mutual respect, dialogue, and cooperation.

GRNMA President, Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, underscored the need to implement the full range of allowances to improve the welfare, motivation, and retention of health professionals.

She, however, expressed disappointment with the government’s broader proposal, describing it as unacceptable.

The GRNMA has communicated the outcome of the meeting to its members, maintaining that its nationwide strike remains suspended, not called off.

Chief Executive of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), Dr George Smith Graham, assured that further engagements will begin shortly. He clarified that the process is not a renegotiation but a continuation aimed at addressing the remaining demands.

The next meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, 2025.

The GRNMA embarked on a nationwide strike on June 4, 2025, citing the government’s failure to implement agreements reached on May 20, 2024.

Despite the National Labour Commission declaring the action illegal, the association pressed on until it suspended the strike on June 14, 2025, following interventions by the government and the Parliamentary Select Committee.

Meanwhile, both parties have pledged to continue engagement and have expressed hope for a resolution that serves the interests of nurses and midwives across the country.

AS/MA

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