Over 128,000 nurses and midwives in Ghana are on strike due to the government’s delayed action on their new conditions of service. In response, the Health Minister, Kobbina Mintah Akandoh, appeals to retired nurses and midwives to temporarily return and assist in caring for patients.
“Given the urgency of the situation and the suffering of patients, the government is appealing to public-spirited retired nurses and midwives to volunteer their services,” Mr. Akandoh said in a press briefing on Monday.
However, the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), which declared the strike on May 28, has criticized the government’s call as dismissive of their concerns. GRNMA General Secretary, David Tenkorang-Twum stated,
“Calling on retired professionals is not a solution. It’s a desperate attempt to avoid addressing the real issues.”
Many striking nurses expressed outrage, calling the appeal “laughable and insulting,” insisting the government should fulfill its commitments rather than seek stopgap measures.
The standoff continues to cripple public healthcare facilities, with no clear resolution in sight.
