Labour Minister Dr. Rashid Pelpuo has appealed to the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) to reconsider their ongoing nationwide strike, emphasizing the need for dialogue with the newly formed administration.
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Speaking on PM Express, Dr. Pelpuo expressed concern over the association’s decision to walk off the job without prior engagement. “We are shocked and disturbed by their move,” he said. “If their concerns date back a year or two, this is a new administration, and they should have given us a chance to engage.”
Standoff Over Delayed Conditions of Service
The strike, which began Monday, follows a breakdown in negotiations between the GRNMA and the Ministry of Health. At the core of the impasse is government’s proposal to delay implementation of new conditions of service until 2026, a proposal the association has firmly rejected.
Dr. Pelpuo revealed he was not allowed to engage with the association before the strike began. “I told the president of the Nurses and Midwives Association that I wish we had spoken earlier. It could have made a difference,” he said.
Call for Reflection and Restraint
While the strike continues, Dr. Pelpuo urged the GRNMA to exercise restraint and consider the government’s willingness to resolve the matter through dialogue. “We are committed to rebuilding trust with labour groups. Our doors remain open,” he affirmed.
He reiterated the administration’s focus on economic stability and inclusive governance, stressing the importance of collaboration with workers. “We’re working to build a stable economy and society, and we need the support of all workers to make that happen.”
