Including Book & Research Allowance: 9 Reason Why Nurses/Midwives Are on Strike

The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has declared an indefinite strike, citing the government’s failure to address long-standing demands related to the conditions of service for nurses and midwives across the country.

According to GRNMA leadership, negotiations with government representatives have stalled for months, despite repeated engagements and assurances. As a result, the association has been left with no option but to withdraw its services in protest.

Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, the GRNMA President emphasized that nurses and midwives have been working under challenging conditions for far too long and deserve fair treatment and adequate compensation for their sacrifices.

Below are some of the key demands that have prompted the strike:

1. Book and Research Allowance – To support continued professional development and academic advancement.

2. Uniform Allowance – To cover the cost of official attire required for daily hospital duties.

3. Fuel Allowance – In light of rising transportation costs, especially for community health nurses and those in remote areas.

4. 13th Month Allowance – An extra month’s salary to cushion healthcare workers during high-demand periods, such as holidays.

5. Night/Out-of-Station Allowance – Compensation for nurses who work night shifts or are deployed outside their usual stations.

6. Vehicle Maintenance Allowance – For nurses who use their personal vehicles for official duties, especially in outreach programs.

7. Kilometric Allowance – To cater for long-distance travel during health campaigns, rural visits, and emergencies.

8. Funeral Grant – Financial support for staff during bereavement.

9. Annual Professional Licence Renewal Fees – Reimbursement or support for mandatory professional licence renewals.

The GRNMA is urging the government to return to the negotiation table with a clear commitment to addressing these concerns, warning that the strike will continue until tangible action is taken.

Hospitals and clinics across the country have already begun to feel the impact of the strike, with outpatient services disrupted and patients facing delays in receiving care. While emergency services remain partially functional in some regions, the association has hinted that a total withdrawal is possible if their demands are not met soon.

The Ministry of Health has yet to issue a formal response, but sources close to the sector indicate that internal discussions are underway.

This strike adds to the growing unrest among public sector workers demanding better working conditions amid rising inflation and economic challenges.

As the situation unfolds, the nation watches closely — because when nurses and midwives stop working, the entire healthcare system feels the strain.