Dr. Sebastian Sandaare, Vice Chair of Ghana’s Parliamentary Health Committee, has given strong assurances that President John Dramani Mahama will improve the conditions of service for nurses and midwives across the country once the economy stabilizes. He made the comments during an interview on Sunday, June 22, 2025, amid ongoing discussions between the government and health professionals over unmet commitments.
According to Dr. Sandaare, the Mahama-led government has not turned a blind eye to the recent concerns of nurses and midwives, particularly regarding the implementation of allowances and provisions such as uniforms. He acknowledged that while these issues were not captured in the 2025 national budget, it does not reflect a lack of commitment from the government.
“Government is not saying that it is not right to give them uniforms. Government is only saying that give us some time because your issues were not captured in the 2025 budget,” he stated.
He further stressed the President’s deep appreciation of the critical role nurses and midwives play in Ghana’s healthcare delivery system. He noted that when motivated and adequately resourced, these health workers can significantly improve health outcomes, especially in underserved communities.
“President Mahama is aware of what motivated nurses and midwives can do in terms of quality health delivery. I believe the kind of President we have will go beyond uniforms—other incentives will be provided once the economy picks up,” Dr. Sandaare emphasized.
The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) had earlier embarked on a nationwide strike on June 2, 2025, in protest of the government’s delay in implementing an agreed-upon framework for their conditions of service. The strike caused significant disruptions in emergency services and patient care nationwide.
Following intense negotiations and the intervention of the Parliamentary Health Committee, the GRNMA suspended the strike on June 13, 2025, pending further dialogue with government stakeholders.
“As a result, the GRNMA’s industrial action initiated on 2nd June 2025 is hereby suspended pending the outcome of a follow-up meeting scheduled for 26th June 2025,” the Association announced in an official statement.
Dr. Sandaare expressed optimism that President Mahama’s vision for Ghana’s healthcare system includes not only addressing immediate concerns but also building an environment where nurses and midwives are motivated to stay and serve.
“The President’s vision is to come to a point where no nurse or midwife would want to leave this country—not because they are compelled to stay, but because they are excited, motivated, and working in an enabling environment,” he said.
He also encouraged the public and stakeholders in the health sector to show patience and solidarity as the government works to restore economic stability and gradually meet all outstanding commitments made to healthcare workers.
A final round of talks between the government, the GRNMA, and other stakeholders is scheduled for June 26, 2025. The outcome is expected to determine the next steps in fully resolving the standoff and restoring industrial harmony in the health sector.
Dr. Sandaare concluded by emphasizing that with Ghana on the path to economic recovery, the government remains committed to making healthcare work attractive, sustainable, and rewarding—ensuring that professionals in the sector receive both the recognition and the support they deserve.