Accra: Healthcare delivery in several hospitals across Accra has returned to normalcy as the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) resume work Monday morning, following the suspension of their recent strike.
According to Ghana News Agency, the health professionals, who had laid down their tools for almost two weeks to press home their demands for improved conditions of service and allowances, are now actively at post, performing their regular duties. During the strike, doctors and physician assistants stepped in to assume the roles of nurses at some facilities, significantly increasing their workload. Meanwhile, in other hospitals, healthcare services were halted due to the absence of nurses and midwives.
A visit by the Ghana News Agency to some hospitals on Monday saw the Out-Patients Department (OPD) and emergency wards bouncing back to life after the long break with nurses and midwives attending to cases. The LEKMA Hospital at Teshie showed a busy atmosphere with nurses back at post, while patients waited patiently at the Out-Patients Department to be attended to. The Antenatal Care Unit was also filled, as expectant mothers accessed healthcare services.
Madam Joana Annang, a patient, expressed relief at the resumption of work, saying access to healthcare was crucial. "The Government's swift action to meet the demands of the nurses was a step in the right direction, which would help to save many lives," she said.
At the Teshie Community Clinic, healthcare services were fully operational, with staff attending to patients. Some patients who spoke to GNA urged the government to prioritise the welfare of health workers to prevent future disruptions. The situation was not different at the La Polyclinic in the La Dadekotopon Municipality, where nurses were seen at post, delivering the needed care to health service seekers.
A source close to the facility, who pleaded anonymity, emphasised the importance of the nurses' return. "The strike really disrupted healthcare delivery. It's a relief to see them back. Now the focus should be on ensuring that both parties resolve the issues amicably," he stated.
This is, however, in contrast to the situation observed at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital on Saturday, a day after the nurses and midwives suspended their strike. Popularly called the Ridge Hospital, the facility was quiet and deserted, with empty corridors and a skeletal staff navigating the premises.
During the visit between 1600 and 1800 hours, the OPD, Emergency Ward, and its pharmacy section were locked whilst the Admissions and Paediatric Emergency sections were closed. A relative of a patient, who spoke on anonymity, said it had been a difficult time for them but hoped to see full healthcare delivery soon.
The situation at the Adabraka Polyclinic was that of a relief for patients as the Emergency and Resuscitation Unit was in full operation with nurses working, while the Female and Children's Wards were also busy. The Revenue and Pharmacy Departments, as well as the Focus Antenatal Room, were in full operation with smiles on the faces of patients. At the maternity ward, a patient named Regina praised the services received.
The resumption marks a significant step toward restoring full healthcare services in the capital, as stakeholders continue to dialogue to secure lasting solutions to the challenges faced by these essential workers. The strike began with a phased withdrawal of services in June 2025, despite efforts by the government to get the Association to rescind its decision.
The leadership of GRNMA, led by Mrs. Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, officially called off the nationwide strike after engagements with the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health and other stakeholders. These discussions led to a mutual agreement to return to negotiations to address the concerns raised by the health workers. Earlier, the Minister of Health had called on retired nurses and midwives to volunteer their services during the negotiation period.
