By Godfred Aaneamenga Polkuu
Bolgatanga, June 4, GNA-Leadership of Rotational Nurses and Midwives Association (RNMA), has cautioned its members against a directive from the Ministry of Health (GHS) to refrain from the strike declared by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA).
A communique signed jointly by Mr Ebenezer Boateng, its President and Madam Mavis Akoto Frimpong, the General Secretary, referred to the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s (NMC) standards for clinical practice and cautioned members to stay off work.
“The leadership of the Rotational Nurses and Midwives Association (RNMA) wishes to caution all members regarding the recent directive from the Ministry of Health (MoH) advising interns to remain at post during the ongoing strike by GRNMA,”.
The GRNMA had declared strike action against their employer’s delay in the implementation of their collective agreement signed in May 2024.
Following the declaration, and after failed attempts by the MoH for the GRNMA to reconsider its decision on the industrial action, the Ministry in a letter dated May 30, 2025, among other directives to minimize the impact of the strike action, urged the Rotational Nurses to remain at post.
“Rotation Nurses and all those who are currently undergoing mandatory clinicals are advised to refrain from joining the strike action,” the letter, signed for the Minister, by Mr Frank Raji, Acting Chief Director of the MoH said.
The RNMA said it was stipulated in the NMC’s Standards for Clinical Practice that “the intern shall work directly under supervision of a nurse manager or immediate supervisor.”
Per the stated standards clinical practice, the RNMA told members that “remaining at post and undertaking any clinical initiative without proper supervision is a direct violation of professional standards.”
The communique also cautioned members that “being present at post without a license or supervisor, while clients may be suffering; exposes you to potential legal consequences. It is crucial to understand that such actions, though well-intentioned, could place your career and future at risk.”
The RNMA indicated that “if the Ministry of Health truly acknowledges the vital role we play in the healthcare sector, then it must act swiftly to release the financial clearance for both the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 intern cohorts.
“We cannot be expected to serve diligently while lacking financial support; no one can work effectively on an empty stomach,” the RNMA added.
In the light of the issues, the RNMA leadership said “We strongly advise all members: do not take any initiative in the absence of a qualified supervisor. Conserve your transportation and personal resources.
“Do not allow yourself to be rendered ineffective or exploited in a situation where you are not properly supported or protected,” the communique said, and urged the MoH to address the “legitimate demands of our senior colleagues to ensure the strike is resolved promptly.”
GNA
Fatima Anafu-Astanga/George-Ramsey Benamba