Eric Appah Marfo
Accra, June 17, GNA – The Private Universities Founders Association of Ghana (PUFA-GHana) has praised the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) for suspending its strike, calling it a commendable commitment to dialogue and peaceful resolution.
In a statement signed by Dr. Paul Kofi Fynn, President of PUFA-Ghana and Chancellor of Wisconsin International University College, the Association thanked the GRNMA for resuming work despite ongoing challenges, describing the move as a demonstration of patriotism and professionalism.
It also commended government and stakeholders, including the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health, for engaging in fruitful dialogue that led to the suspension of the strike.
PUFA-Ghana noted its position as a development-oriented and non-partisan body always committed to offering solutions to the nation’s socio-economic problems.
It urged the government to adopt proactive measures to forestall future disruptions in the health sector.
Among the recommendations was the establishment of a permanent Health Sector Consultative Forum involving the Ministry of Health, union leaders, and healthcare administrators to address grievances before they escalate.
PUFA-Ghana appealed to government to publicly declare a stay in ongoing legal proceedings concerning the strike as a sign of goodwill.
It also urged the government to create predictable, transparent systems for salary negotiations and working condition reviews, involving key agencies such as the Ministry of Finance and the Accountant General’s Department.
The Association recognised the valid concerns raised by nurses and midwives over their conditions of service and conveyed heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost loved ones during the industrial action.
“No strike should cost a single Ghanaian life,” PUFA-Ghana stated, adding that essential health services, especially maternal care, emergency interventions and life-saving procedures, must never be compromised, even during crises.
To sustain morale and service delivery, the statement also called for the strengthening of health worker welfare schemes and oversight mechanisms that ensure accountability and the timely implementation of agreements.
PUFA-Ghana encouraged the development of appropriate incentives for private sector participation in health care, anchored by strong checks and balances.
Additionally, the Association urged public and allied health facilities to implement risk management strategies, including workforce contingency planning, early warning systems, regular stakeholder engagement, and staff welfare initiatives to ensure continuity of essential services during emergencies.
PUFA-Ghana reiterated its readiness to provide technical and professional input into such interventions and reaffirmed its commitment to national development.
“PUFA-Ghana stands with Ghana and extends a hand of partnership to the government, health sector unions and all stakeholders committed to the development of sustainable interventions for preserving life and restoring dignity in our healthcare system,” the statement said.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey