This Saturday on Newsfile, host Samson Lardy Anyenini and his panelists will discuss the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association(GRNMA) strike from its emergence, through its peak disruption and negotiation phase, to the suspension and considers the next steps in implementing the collective agreement.
GRNMA initiated industrial action on June 2, 2025, over delays in implementing its 2024 Conditions of Service agreement, officially declaring a nationwide strike on June 4. On Monday, June 9, the strike escalated with a total withdrawal of nursing and midwifery services, causing overcrowded clinics and disrupted emergency care across Ghana, despite an injunction from the National Labour Commission.
By 10 June, the Ministry of Health published a list of operational facilities and urged patients to seek medical care at the facilities. In parallel, the GRNMA warned that the government would bear responsibility if patient lives were lost. The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) met with GRNMA leadership to discuss the dispute. GRNMA leadership also reaffirmed that they would continue their action until implementation begins.
On June 12, government negotiators, including representatives from Health, Finance, and FWSC, held productive discussions and agreed to reconvene in two weeks to chart an implementation roadmap for the 2024 deal.
And on Friday, June 13, GRNMA announced the suspension of the strike pending a follow‑up meeting on June 26. Members were instructed to resume duties from Saturday, June 14, albeit with continued monitoring of progress.
Also to be discussed on the show is the abrupt shutdown of 64 FM radio stations, including notable outlets such as Happy FM, Asaase Radio, and Wontumi FM by the National Communications Authority on Thursday, June 12, citing serious breaches of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 1991) and other licensing conditions.
The stations were found in violation of regulations ranging from expired licences to broadcasting beyond authorised frequency and unpaid authorisation fees. The NCA’s shutdown was part of a phased enforcement following a comprehensive frequency audit.
Later that day, President John Mahama instructed the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation to work with the NCA to restore services. He emphasised the need to balance regulatory compliance with the protection of media freedom.
Following the presidential directive, Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George announced a 30-day window for all affected stations to correct their infractions. He confirmed that fines would be waived, but those who failed to comply within the timeframe risk further regulatory action.
Also this week, on Friday, June 13, the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine addressed the public on the Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL) probe into the National Service Authority (NSA).
The Attorney General confirmed that investigations into the NSA scandal have been finalised following a four‑month inquiry. Dockets have been submitted by the National Intelligence Bureau under the supervision of the Attorney General’s office.
The probe uncovered a major fraud involving ghost names and phantom personnel. From 2018 to 2024, some 63,672 ghost names were detected on the payroll, resulting in losses of approximately GH₵548.33 million.
Dr Ayine confirmed that 12 former NSA directors and officials will face charges, including Former Deputy Executive Director, Gifty Oware-Mensah, for fraud, causing financial loss to the state, conspiracy, and money laundering. The AG said some individuals will enter into non‑prosecution agreements in exchange for testimony, under the plea bargaining framework.
The show will explore the suspension of the GRNMA strike and its implications on healthcare delivery, the shutdown and subsequent reinstatement of 64 radio stations amid media freedom concerns, and the Attorney General’s latest revelations on the ORAL investigation into the National Service Authority scandal.
Tune in to Newsfile this Saturday as the panel breaks down these critical national issues with insight and clarity.
Newsfile airs live on the JoyNews channel on digital satellite channels 421 on DSTV and 144 on GoTV, and streams on JoyNews’ Facebook or YouTube channels on Saturdays from 9 am to noon.
Viewers can also follow the discussion by tuning in to Joy 99.7 FM or Luv 99.5 FM on the radio or stream the discussion live on either Google or Apple Podcasts.
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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
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