Call off Strike to Save Lives – Edem Agbana Appeals to Striking Nurses
The Member of Parliament for Ketu North, Hon. Eric Edem Agbana, has passionately appealed to the leadership and members of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) to call off their ongoing strike and return to the negotiation table with the government.
Speaking to some Members of the Parliamentary Press Corps in Accra, the MP acknowledged the genuine concerns of nurses and midwives across the country regarding their conditions of service, but urged them to consider the broader implications of their industrial action—particularly the lives being lost as a result of abandoned health facilities.
“As a representative of the people, I am adding my voice to the many Ghanaians pleading with our nurses to reconsider their decision and resume work, even as they continue negotiations,” he said. “Their profession falls under essential services, and sadly, their absence is directly impacting lives.”
Hon. Agbana emphasized that he empathizes with the frustrations of the health workers, noting that many other professionals, including teachers and even parliamentarians, have consistently called for better working conditions.
“I do not dispute their right to demand improved service conditions. But morally, we are pleading with them to resume work while negotiations continue. The impact of this strike is being felt across communities, and lives are at risk,” he stressed.
He also urged the government, particularly the Ministry of Health, to act in good faith should the nurses agree to return to work. “We must expedite actions to resolve their concerns swiftly and sincerely,” he said, highlighting the need for urgent consensus-building.
The Ketu North MP further noted that although the national budget has already been approved, the upcoming mid-year budget review provides an opportunity for government to accommodate some of the nurses’ demands if consensus is reached.
“This government has only been in office for five months. Many of the challenges being raised were inherited. The door to negotiation is never closed. If we reach an agreement, some commitments can be included in the mid-year budget. I believe the nurses will understand if they see genuine effort,” he added.
Hon. Agbana also discouraged accusations and blame games, insisting that both parties must focus on finding common ground. He specifically appealed to the GRNMA President, Madam Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, and her leadership to demonstrate leadership by suspending the strike and exploring mediation with broader national stakeholders such as the Peace Council, Christian Council, National House of Chiefs, and even the Council of State.
“If I must go on my knees to plead with our nurses to return to work, I will. I know what a single life means to a family and a community. We are all pleading for the strike to be suspended as talks continue,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, it has come to light that the GRNMA and government signed an agreement in 2024 acknowledging the country’s difficult economic situation.
Additionally, the association was recently directed by the court to pay GHS 100,000 in damages following internal disputes related to this same issue.
The strike by nurses and midwives, now in its third day, continues to put pressure on Ghana’s already burdened healthcare system.
Stakeholders are hopeful that both parties will return to the negotiating table in the spirit of national interest and human compassion.
Source: Felix Nyaaba/expressnewsghana.com
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