The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has intensified its ongoing strike action by ordering a total withdrawal of emergency services, marking a critical turning point in its nationwide industrial action.

This directive, issued in a statement dated June 3, 2025, follows earlier measures such as the suspension of Out-Patient Department (OPD) services. The escalation forms part of the Association’s roadmap to protest the government’s delay in implementing the agreed 2024 conditions of service for nurses and midwives.

“You are hereby informed that withdrawal of OPD services should go along with withdrawal of emergency services,” the GRNMA stated.

“Remain focused, resolute, and unperturbed.”

The strike, which began on May 28, 2025, affects more than 128,000 nurses and midwives across Ghana, causing major disruptions in public healthcare delivery and prompting widespread concern among patients and health officials alike.

GRNMA President, Perpetual Ofori Ampofo, outlined a clear roadmap of escalating industrial action:

• June 2–3, 2025: Nurses and midwives wore red armbands and headbands to signify protest.
• June 4–8, 2025: Withdrawal of OPD services nationwide.
• From June 9, 2025: Total withdrawal of all nursing and midwifery services, including emergency and maternity care.

The Association has called on all categories of nurses, including rotation and trainee nurses, to fully participate in the strike. It cautioned that working without supervision during this period could expose trainees to legal liabilities.

“Remember, you work under direct supervision of your seniors, without which you are liable to be held responsible for any mishaps,” the GRNMA warned.

In response, the Ministry of Health on May 31, 2025, urged the GRNMA to rescind its decision and directed heads of health facilities to ensure continuous healthcare delivery, particularly for maternity and emergency cases.

However, the GRNMA has rejected what it describes as “divisive and false narratives” from authorities and urged the government to “channel its energies” into securing approval of the 2024 Collective Agreement from the Ministry of Finance and moving toward immediate implementation.

“The government must stop posturing and act with urgency. The health of Ghanaians is at risk due to government inaction,” the Association said.

In its latest call, the GRNMA is appealing to Parliament to intervene and facilitate a resolution before the country experiences a complete shutdown of nursing and midwifery services.

“We are grateful to the nursing and midwifery fraternity for the deep sense of solidarity and urge you all to remain vigilant, united, and steadfast,” the Association stated.

With healthcare services already stretched thin, the withdrawal of emergency care signals a grave public health crisis. Patients are increasingly being turned away, while critical care units and maternity wards remain understaffed.

Despite a court injunction from the National Labour Commission ordering the resumption of work, the strike remains in full force, underscoring the deepening standoff between the government and healthcare professionals.