The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has called for calm and continued dialogue amid an ongoing strike by nurses and midwives. He emphasized the government’s readiness to engage with the healthcare workforce to resolve outstanding issues affecting service delivery.
During a working visit to several health facilities, the Minister reaffirmed his commitment to transparency and collaboration, highlighting efforts made since taking office just a few months ago.
“As Minister responsible for health, I decided to visit these facilities to get first-hand information about the situation,” he said. “Since assuming office, I’ve met with the nurses and midwives more than six times. My door remains open for further engagements at any time.”
The strike, which has disrupted healthcare services nationwide, stems from delays in the implementation of a collective agreement.
The Minister acknowledged that the agreement predates his tenure but emphasized the principle of continuity in governance.
“We inherited the agreement, which was due for implementation last year. But we are ready to sit at the table to find a way forward,” he said. “I continue to appeal to our nurses—patients must come first. Strikes won’t resolve the matter; dialogue will.”
Mr. Akandoh, accompanied by his team—including the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea—first visited the Emergency and Child Health departments of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, where he interacted with patients and healthcare workers on duty.
They were received by the CEO of Korle-Bu, Dr. Yakubu Seidu Adam, and other hospital staff who conducted the team around the facility.
The team also visited LEKMA Hospital in the Ledzokuku-Krowor Municipality, where the situation was no different.
The Minister’s final stop was at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge Hospital), where the new Medical Director, Dr. Leslie Issa-Zakariah, assured him that although the strike has affected operations, the hospital is doing its best to mitigate the situation while hoping for a swift resolution.
The nationwide strike by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has severely disrupted emergency services at major government hospitals, leaving patients stranded and healthcare delivery compromised.
Although the National Labour Commission (NLC) has declared the industrial action illegal and directed the Association to immediately call off the strike and return to work, the GRNMA has continued with the action.
In a directive issued on Tuesday, June 4, 2025, the Commission expressed strong disapproval of GRNMA’s decision to proceed with the strike despite being summoned to appear before the NLC to resolve the impasse.
Speaking to journalists after his visits, the Minister explained that while the Labour Commission has issued a directive, the Ministry of Health is not in a position to interpret or overrule its decisions.
“We are not a court. We must act as the mother ministry and continue behaving as such,” he said. “Even if one person is absent from work, it affects healthcare delivery. We need everyone on board. I have made efforts—even beyond my official duties—and together with the Finance Minister and other stakeholders, we will continue to work to resolve these issues.”
The public and stakeholders now look to both parties for a peaceful resolution that prioritizes patients’ wellbeing.
Story by Osman Issah Abadoo
