Philemon Agyapong, the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association’s (GRNMA) assistant public relations officer, has guaranteed that the Chief of Staff’s order, which revoked all appointments made in the public sector after December 7, 2024, has not impacted any nurses.
In an interview with JoyNews’ PM Express on Monday, February 24, 2025, he admitted that nurses were first upset over the directive. He did point out that tensions were eventually reduced when Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the health minister, addressed the matter.
Mr. Agyapong said, “No nurse has gone home as we speak,” stressing that nurses who followed the proper procedures and received financial clearance would not be impacted.
His comments come after the GRNMA voiced concerns and urged the government to remove the directive’s provisions pertaining to newly hired nurses. In support of the impacted members, the group has issued a warning about possible industrial action.
Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, president of the GRNMA, emphasized the importance of newly hired nurses and midwives to Ghana’s healthcare system and the need for them to stay in their positions.
Mr. Agyapong went on to say that financial clearance for nurses had already been given in June 2024 and that 15,200 nurses were authorized to work in the medical field.
“What I’m aware is that the former administration gave financial clearance to 15,200 nurses, and we are expecting 15,200 nurses to be posted within that period—that is, spanning from August 2024 to December 31, 2024,” he said.
He emphasized that it would be improper to cancel the listed nurses’ appointments, stating that they are already at work and shouldn’t be sent home.
Source: newsthemegh.com