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The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has strongly condemned what it describes as “draconian and intimidation tactics” being employed by the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) against nurses and midwives who participated in a recent industrial action.
In a strongly worded press release issued on Tuesday, July 1, the leadership of GRNMA expressed outrage over a circular from CHAG dated June 30, 2025, requesting facility heads to compile a list of nurses and midwives who joined the union-led strike. The association believes this move is a prelude to punitive actions against those involved.
According to the GRNMA, the CHAG directive outlines a series of harsh measures, including the reposting of newly posted staff who took part in the strike, demotion of those in management roles, and the removal of heads of departments involved in the action. The directive also allegedly calls for the withholding of May allowances, special benefits such as responsibility allowance, accommodation, and vehicles, as well as delayed promotions for participants.
In what may become a flashpoint in Ghana’s healthcare labor relations, CHAG is also reported to have proposed notifying the Controller and Accountant General’s Department to withhold one week’s salary of those who joined the strike, despite their salaries being paid by the Government of Ghana.
Responding, GRNMA leadership decried the actions as not only unjust but also a clear attempt to erode the constitutional and labor rights of its members.
“It is evidently clear that the welfare of nurses and midwives does not matter to CHAG as an agency under the Ministry of Health,” the statement read. “All nurses and midwives working in their faith-based facilities are government-paid staff.”
GRNMA President Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo and General Secretary Dr. David Tenkorang-Twum emphasized that union membership includes the right to participate in industrial actions, protected under Section 10(d) of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651). They argued that penalizing workers for exercising this right amount to unfair labor practices.
The union further reminded CHAG that while the Labour Act places limitations on strike actions by essential service providers, it also places a responsibility on employers to address grievances with urgency and fairness.
Warning of possible escalation, the union stated unequivocally that any attempt by CHAG to punish its members would be met with strong resistance.
“We will use every legitimate means and will not hesitate to lay down our tools in solidarity with our colleagues,” the leadership warned.
In the meantime, the association has urged all nurses and midwives in CHAG facilities to remain calm and carry on with their duties, assuring them of full support as leadership works to enforce the collective agreement and protect their rights.
As tensions rise, observers anticipate a possible showdown between the faith-based health provider and one of the country’s most influential healthcare unions — a situation that could have nationwide implications for service delivery in CHAG-run facilities.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Vincent Kwofie