The Mortuary Workers Association of Ghana (MOWAG) has lamented that there has been an increase in the death toll significantly following the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) strike.
According to the Mortuary workers they are now recording about 20 to 25 deaths.
Speaking to Citi News on Tuesday, June 10, Richard Kofi Jordan, the General Secretary of MOWAG stated, “Looking at the [number] of death[s] compared to the past and now, the death toll has increased significantly, and it is not surprising because of the impact of the nurse’s absence.
“On average, where we are to record about 10 a day, we are recording about 20 to 25. This tells you that the absence of our nurses is becoming so severe,” he said.
The health workers initiated the strike on June 2, 2025, in protest against the government’s failure to implement an agreement signed with the previous Akufo-Addo administration.
The GRNMA grievances include the non-payment of critical allowances, such as responsibility, uniform, and non-basic allowances, which collectively amount to millions of cedis owed over time.
Also, the plight of over 5,000 newly qualified nurses and midwives who have been awaiting official postings since late 2024.
According to the Health Minister the demands of the striking Ghana Registered Nurses’ and Midwives’ Association if implemented immediately will throw the economy off-gear.
Mintah Akandoh speaking on the strike Ghana Registered Nurses’ and Midwives’ Association warns that implementing the proposed conditions of service not only isn’t in the 2025 budget but could also severely destabilize Ghana’s economy.
The Health Minister stated, “The conditions of service under reference are not captured in the 2025 budget and will completely throw the economy off-gear if implemented immediately in the manner it currently exists”.
Mintah Akandoh further called on retired nurses and midwives to temporarily return to service.
He added, “Given the urgency of the situation and the suffering of patients, the government is appealing to public-spirited retired nurses and midwives to volunteer their service for a brief period pending the resolution of the impasse”.
“Government remains committed to continuing dialogue with the nurses to reach a mutually acceptable outcome in the interest of public health,” he assured.
Meanwhile, Samuel Alagkora Akologo, the vice President of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has stated the government must be blamed if lives are lost amid the ongoing strike by nurses and midwives.
