Patients in Ghana, particularly in the Volta Regional capital of Ho, are facing serious delays and disruptions in healthcare delivery as members of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) embark on a nationwide strike.

The industrial action, which took full effect today, stems from the government’s failure to implement a revised Collective Agreement signed with the Ministry of Health in May 2024.

Despite being declared illegal by the National Labour Commission, the strike has gone ahead, with nurses and midwives across the country withdrawing their services.

A visit to key government health facilities in Ho revealed the scale of the impact.

At the Outpatient Department (OPD), Dialysis Unit, and several wards, there were no nurses on duty.

Patients sat unattended, while others were forced to leave due to the lack of care.

Several frustrated patients and their relatives who spoke to Class News appealed to the government to intervene quickly and resolve the impasse, emphasising the toll the strike is taking on vulnerable individuals.

Mr. Mathias Avinu, the GRNMA District Chairman in Ho, confirmed the full withdrawal of services and defended the Association’s actions.

He stated that the strike is a last resort after repeated delays and broken promises regarding the agreed terms.

He called on the government to act in good faith and address the nurses’ demands, warning that continued inaction could further cripple healthcare services nationwide.