The National Labour Commission (NLC) has directed the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) to immediately call off its strike and return to work after declaring the industrial action illegal.

In a directive issued on Tuesday, June 4, 2025, the Commission expressed strong disapproval of the GRNMA’s decision to proceed with its strike, despite being summoned to appear before the NLC to resolve the impasse.

This follows healthcare services across the country being severely impacted as members of the GRNMA continued their strike, leaving patients stranded and medical facilities struggling to cope.

According to the Commission, the nurses and midwives failed to comply with the legal procedures required under Section 159 of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651).

The GRNMA had notified the NLC of its intent to embark on industrial action in a letter dated May 29, 2025, in protest over delays in the implementation of their 2024 Collective Agreement.

However, the Commission, invoking its powers under Section 138 of the Labour Act, directed the association to suspend all planned actions—including wearing red bands and the eventual withdrawal of services—pending mediation.

While the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Finance all appeared before the Commission on June 4 for the scheduled meeting, the GRNMA failed to attend and proceeded with the strike.

“The Commission declares the industrial action by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association as illegal and directs them to call it off with immediate effect,” the statement read.

The NLC further instructed all members of the GRNMA to resume work at their respective facilities immediately.

Additionally, the Commission directed the GRNMA leadership to continue engagement with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission on implementing the collective agreement. They are required to report progress to the NLC by June 25, 2025, at 2:30 pm.

The NLC’s directive underscores the critical nature of health services and the legal obligations of essential service providers, urging compliance to avoid disruption in healthcare delivery across the country.