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The government must promptly fulfill its obligations under the May 2024 Conditions of Service agreement with the nation’s nurses, according to the Minority Caucus in Parliament, which has dubbed the current situation a gross betrayal of dignity and trust.
The caucus criticized what it described as a “callous disregard” for nurses’ welfare in a press release released on Tuesday, June 11. It also accused the government of using inflammatory rhetoric to turn frontline healthcare workers against the public, specifically citing recent statements made by the Minister of Health.
“No nurse in Ghana must be forced to choose between taking care of themselves and putting their patients first. Unfortunately, that is how far we have pushed our nurses today,” the statement read.
The Minority claims that nurses are feeling humiliated, overworked, and undervalued since the government has not implemented the important terms of the agreement, which was signed more than a year ago.
The group criticized the Health Minister’s remark that nurses’ union officials had “fled the country” to avoid discussion, calling it “reprehensible” and an attempt to discredit valid worker complaints.
“The National Labour Act protects workers’ right to strike, and employees cannot be silenced for standing up for fair and safe working conditions,” The public was reminded by the Caucus that the strike is about professional dignity and agreed-upon benefits, not salary.
The government’s alleged retaliatory measures to quell industrial action were also denounced by the Minority, who cautioned that they jeopardize the integrity of Ghana’s healthcare system as a whole as well as the morale of medical personnel.
“Our nurses have made it clear that they are not on strike for their wages – they are fighting for the ability to have some say over their professional benefits. They deserve to be treated like the healthcare heroes they are, especially at a time when many of their compatriots are leaving for better opportunities abroad,” the statement said.
The Caucus pointed out what they consider to be misaligned priorities, pointing out that the Office of the President’s compensation budget has skyrocketed from GH₵327 million in 2024 to GH₵2.7 billion under the current NDC government. They contended that rerouting these funds could easily meet the just demands of nurses nationwide.
“The leadership must put the 2024 agreement into effect right now if it is serious about reviving trust in our democratic system and public services. The Caucus cautioned, “There can be no basis for inaction.
They urged the government to put the health of nurses and the patients they care for first and demanded an immediate and peaceful end to the standoff.
Read the full statement below:
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
