GRNMA Condemns CHAG’s “Draconian” Plan to Sanction Nurses and Midwives Over Strike

Accra, 4 July 2025 –  Tensions have intensified between the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) and the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) after its intention to discipline staff who joined last month’s nationwide strike.

CHAG’s Directive

In a circular dated 30 June 2025, CHAG’s Deputy Executive Director instructed all member facilities to submit the full name, grade, staff ID and facility of every nurse or midwife who took part in the recent GRNMA industrial action.

A companion briefing note, shared with facility heads, purportedly proposes several sanctions:

1. Re-posting newly assigned staff who joined the strike back to CHAG for reassignment.
2. Demotion of managerial-level nurses and midwives who participated.
3. Withdrawal of allowances for May as well as other benefits (responsibility allowance, accommodation, vehicle).
4. Deferral of promotions for all strikers due this year.
5. Salary withholding for one week, to be effected through the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department.

GRNMA’s Response

The GRNMA leadership answered on 3 July 2025 with a press release titled “CHAG’s Draconian Measures to Intimidate Nurses and Midwives Working in CHAG Facilities.” Signed by President Mrs Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo and General Secretary Dr David Tenkorang-Twum, the statement “unequivocally condemns” what it calls an attempt to undermine members’ constitutional right to peaceful protest.

“Targeting individuals who stand up for their rights threatens the principles of justice and fairness,” the release states, adding that such actions “jeopardise the very ethos of our profession, built on care, compassion and solidarity.”

Citing Section 10(d) of the Labour Act 2003 (Act 651), GRNMA reminds CHAG that employees may join and participate fully in the activities of a registered trade union, including industrial action. While Sections 162 and 163 restrict strikes by essential service providers, the union argues that the same legislation obliges employers to address workers’ concerns promptly “the law is never one-sided,” the statement notes.

GRNMA further vows to “take CHAG on” should any retaliation occur and pledges to use “every legitimate means” to defend affected members, including the possibility of renewed nationwide action. Nevertheless, the leadership urges nurses and midwives in CHAG facilities to remain calm and continue normal duties while union officials engage the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders.

For now, the nursing community awaits CHAG’s official reaction to GRNMA’s warning and any guidance that may emerge from the Ministry of Health. Nursing In Ghana will provide updates as the story develops.