Nurses’ Strike: Charles Owusu Condemns Health Minister’s Comment To ‘Employ’ Services Of ‘Retired Nurses’
Charles Owusu has slammed the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, for calling on retired nurses and midwives to volunteer their services pending the resolution of the ongoing strike by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA).
The nurses and midwives, appealing to government for improved living conditions, embarked on strike on June 2, 2025.
They cited government’s failure to implement their 2024 Collective Agreement as the cause of this industrial action.
The agreement involves better salaries, improved allowances and working conditions for the nurses and midwives.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh believed using the retired nurses and midwives will help to mitigate the impact of the strike.
“Given the urgency of the situation and the suffering of patients, the government is appealing to retired nurses and midwives to volunteer their services for a brief period, pending the resolution of the impasse,” he said.
He added; “The Ministry will in the next few hours publish a comprehensive list of facilities to support affected centres where nursing services are lacking; so that patients can seek healthcare there.”
But Charles Owusu has rebuked the Minister over his request.
Contributing to Peace FM’s “Kokrokoo” panel discussion show, the former Nkoranza North independent parliamentary candidate asked how resourceful are the retired nurses and midwives to substitute those on strike.
“Are you going to tell the 65-year old woman to come and pick up a patient to the sick bed?”
To him, the Minister’s comments are unacceptable and cautioned the government officials against taking some actions that portray arrogance.
“How can you ‘flex’ over power that can be taken away from you?”, he queried.
Source: Ghmessenger.com
