The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has issued a plea to the government to exempt newly recruited nurses from the directive suspending all public service appointments made after December 7, 2024. The association has raised concerns that if the directive affects its members, it will lead to a series of industrial actions in solidarity with the affected nurses.
In a press release signed by the President, Mrs Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, and Secretary, Dr David Tenkorang-Twum, the GRNMA emphasized the critical role that newly recruited nurses and midwives play in Ghana’s healthcare workforce. They stressed that these professionals are essential for the functioning of the health system and must be allowed to remain at their posts.
The statement comes in response to a directive from the Chief of Staff at Jubilee House, dated February 10, 2025, which calls for the revocation of appointments and recruitments made after December 7, 2024. The GRNMA revealed that an emergency meeting was held by its National Executive Committee and National Council to address the issue, but it was postponed following a meeting called by the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh.
The Minister clarified that the Ministry of Health is investigating all public sector recruitments made after December 7, 2024, to identify any irregularities in the hiring process. This investigation includes the recruitment of nurses and midwives, and the findings will be communicated to the GRNMA in due course.
Furthermore, the Ghana Health Service issued a circular on February 12, 2025, instructing divisional and regional health directors to suspend newly recruited nurses who had not been placed on the payroll as of January 2025. The GRNMA expressed concerns that the Chief of Staff’s directive is already being implemented, raising immediate worries about its impact on healthcare delivery.
The association strongly defended the qualifications of all nurses and midwives recruited after December 7, 2024, highlighting their rigorous training and licensure. They argued that delays in payroll registration should not be grounds for suspension and urged the government to complete any investigations before taking action against the affected individuals.
The GRNMA warned that suspending newly recruited nurses and midwives would severely impact healthcare delivery, especially considering the existing nurse-to-patient ratios and increasing burnout among health workers. They called on the government to reconsider its decision and exempt nurses and midwives from the directive, emphasizing the essential role these professionals play in health facilities.
In conclusion, the GRNMA advised all nurses and midwives to stay focused and await further directives from their leadership while closely monitoring developments on the matter. The association’s stance underscores the importance of protecting and supporting the healthcare workforce in Ghana.
