Government has revealed that over GHS 2 billion will be added to the national compensation budget to if fully implement the nurses’ revised conditions of service.
This staggering figure poses a major challenge for a government already grappling with debt sustainability requirements.
Deputy Finance Minister, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, during a presser emphasized that implementing the demands would not only strain the budget but also potentially derail Ghana’s economic recovery efforts.
According to him, the government is committed to maintaining a 1.5% primary balance surplus to bring debt levels to sustainable levels, making it crucial to manage expenditures.
Despite the challenges, the government has expressed willingness to engage with the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) to find a mutually acceptable solution.
Mr, Ampem appealed to the nurses, stating, “From the Ministry of Finance, we want to show our commitment to help and resolve this important issue because our nurses are very important in the healthcare delivery and we appreciate what they do. but the reality is we have over 1,2000 nurses and the implementations they are demanding will have serious consequences for the budget.”
“In face, if we fully implement it, we are going to add in excess of 2 billion cedis to the compensation budget. we have all committed that in our resolve to reset economy, we must maintain a 1.5% primary balance surplus every year in order to bring our debt levels to sustainable levels. So it’s important for us to manage expenditure. So we want to appeal our revered nurses that we are willing to sit with them and the Health Ministry to agree on a roadmap that will help us incorporate what can be accommodated into the budget for next year.”
However, the GRNMA remains resolute in its rejection of the government’s proposal to defer implementation until 2026, citing unfair treatment compared to other unions.
The strike continues, with the Ministry of Health appealing to retired nurses and midwives to volunteer their services to mitigate the impact on healthcare facilities.
