Ophelia Aovare urges government to resolve Nurses’ strike with urgency
Aovare stressed the need for a clear, structured plan to guide the resolution process, urging the Ministry of Health to present a practical roadmap that reassures health professionals of the government's commitment to their welfare.
Ophelia Aovare, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Women’s Organiser for the Navrongo Central Constituency and a hopeful contender for the position of Upper East Regional Women’s Organiser, has urged the government to engage in meaningful dialogue with the leadership of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) to resolve the ongoing nationwide strike.
Her call follows a deadlock between the GRNMA and the government over the implementation of a 2024 agreement, which outlines improved conditions of service for healthcare workers across the country.
Speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Wednesday, June 11, Aovare described the demands of the striking nurses and midwives as reasonable and “within the government’s means to address.”
“The demands of the nurses are not out of reach. Government can prioritise its needs, and the Health Minister has a lot to learn. He should not joke with the health sector. He should improve on how he is handling the situation because labour issues are delicate,” She cautioned.
Aovare stressed the need for a clear, structured plan to guide the resolution process, urging the Ministry of Health to present a practical roadmap that reassures health professionals of the government’s commitment to their welfare.
“They should come out with a roadmap towards the implementation so that the nurses will be assured of what has been put on paper, so they can be motivated to go back and carry out their duty,” she added.
While strongly backing the concerns of the healthcare workers, Aovare also appealed to the striking personnel to consider the critical and lifesaving nature of their services, especially in vulnerable and rural communities.
“I plead with the nurses that, given the nature of services that they provide to our dear nation, life is so precious. They should go back to work while negotiations are ongoing,” she appealed.
The nurses’ and midwives’ strike, which entered its third day, has already disrupted healthcare services in many parts of the country, putting additional strain on patients and healthcare facilities.
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