In a remarkable display of leadership and dedication to the welfare of healthcare workers, the Majority Leader in Ghana’s Parliament, Mahama Ayariga has earned the admiration of nurses across the country.
His timely intervention in the recent nurses’ strike has been hailed by the health workers as a significant breakthrough, bringing much-needed relief to the healthcare sector.
The nurses’ strike had been a source of concern for patients and citizens with many wondering how the impasse could be resolved due to the posture of both parties.
However, the intervention by the Bawku Central Member of Parliament (MP) played a major role in sending the nurses back to the health facilities and to the negotiation table, paving the way for a potential resolution.
Mr Ayariga was reported to have sat in throughout Parliament Health committee’s meeting with leadership with the nurses to help resolve the impasse.
The grateful nurses have accordingly through various social media expressed their gratitude to Mr Ayariga, acknowledging his role in facilitating dialogue and finding a middle ground.
His commitment to ensuring the welfare of healthcare workers is evident in his actions behind the scenes and during the meeting and is seen as a beacon of hope for the nursing community.
The majority leader’s approach to conflict resolution is characterized by his willingness to listen and engage with all parties involved. He is also credited for creating a platform for dialogue which has enabled the nurses and relevant stakeholders to work towards a mutually beneficial solution.
The outcome of the leader of government business’s intervention is expected to have a positive impact on the healthcare sector, ensuring that patients receive the care they need while also addressing the concerns of nurses.
His efforts demonstrate the importance of effective leadership and communication in resolving conflicts and promoting the welfare of workers.
As the nursing community looks to the future, they can take comfort in knowing that there are leaders like Mahama Ayariga who are committed to their welfare. His intervention has shown that even in challenging times, dialogue and negotiation can lead to positive outcomes. With Ayariga’s continued support, the nursing community can expect a brighter future ahead.
The nurses’ strike in Ghana was a nationwide industrial action taken by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) to demand better working conditions and the full implementation of their Collective Agreement signed in May 2024.
The strike, which began on June 2, 2025, with nurses wearing red armbands, escalated into the full withdrawal of outpatient and emergency services by June 9. The association demanded immediate implementation of the agreement, which includes benefits such as annual bonuses, fuel and medical allowances, rural posting incentives, and support for license renewal terms.
The new government which is barely six months cited budgetary limitations, stating that the 2025 budget did not allocate funds to cater for the nurses’ demands.
After intervention by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health led by the leader, the GRNMA suspended the strike on June 13, 2025, pending a follow-up meeting scheduled for June 26, 2025.
The striking nurses have resume normal shift duties effective June 14, 2025.
By: Christian Kpesese
