The Secretary General of the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), Abraham Koomson, has warned that fully implementing the newly negotiated Conditions of Service for nurses and midwives could significantly destabilise Ghana’s economy if not properly budgeted.

 Mr. Koomson cautioned that while the demands made by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) may be legitimate, the 2025 national budget does not currently make room for such expenditures.

Forcing them into the fiscal framework at this stage, he said, could reverse the economic progress Ghana has achieved in recent months.

“The government needs to make budgetary allocations to the Health Ministry for such payments, and if it was not captured in the 2025 budget, any attempt to include it now will distort the fiscal framework,” he stated.

Mr. Koomson also stressed the need for responsible financial planning and legal compliance in labour negotiations.

He expressed concern that some union leaders lack a clear understanding of labour law, which could lead to unrealistic demands and avoidable tensions.

Questioning the timing of the GRNMA’s recent strike, he asked why such industrial action was not pursued during the tenure of the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration in May 2024.

His remarks follow the GRNMA’s suspension of a nationwide strike that began on June 9, 2025.

The action, triggered by the government's proposal to delay implementation of the agreed conditions of service until 2026, severely disrupted healthcare delivery, especially in emergency and maternity departments.

Although initial negotiations between the GRNMA, the Ministry of Health, and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission stalled, raising public concern and political pressure compelled all parties to resume dialogue.

After receiving fresh assurances from the government to revisit the proposed implementation timeline, the GRNMA suspended its strike on June 13, pending the outcome of further talks.

Mr. Koomson urged labour unions to exercise restraint and adopt lawful, constructive approaches in negotiations, always considering the wider impact of their actions on national development.

“We must ensure our actions do not jeopardise the very progress we’re all working hard to build,” he concluded.

He made this remark while speaking on Ahotor FM on June 14, 2025.