The controversy arose after Chief of Staff Julius Debrah issued a directive revoking appointments made after December 7, 2024. In response, the GRNMA, under Mrs. Ofori Ampofo’s leadership, threatened industrial action, citing concerns over nurses’ conditions of service.
However, a section of the public has criticized the decision, accusing the GRNMA President of leading the strike to undermine the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government. These critics point to the fact that her husband is an NPP constituency chairman, claiming it has influenced her actions.
GRNMA President Refutes Claims of Politically Motivated Strike
The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has come under public scrutiny following its decision to embark on a strike. Some Ghanaians believe the strike is politically motivated, alleging that the association’s President, Mrs. Perpetual Ofori Ampofo, is influenced by her husband’s affiliation with the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The controversy arose after Chief of Staff Julius Debrah issued a directive revoking appointments made after December 7, 2024. In response, the GRNMA, under Mrs. Ofori Ampofo’s leadership, threatened industrial action, citing concerns over nurses’ conditions of service.
However, a section of the public has criticized the decision, accusing the GRNMA President of leading the strike to undermine the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government. These critics point to the fact that her husband is an NPP constituency chairman, claiming it has influenced her actions.
Speaking on Oyerepa Breakfast Time with Kwesi Parker Wilson, Mrs. Perpetual Ofori Ampofo vehemently denied the allegations. She admitted that her husband is indeed an NPP constituency chairman for Bortianor-Ngleshie-Amanfrom but insisted that her leadership decisions are based solely on the welfare of nurses, not politics.
“Yes, my husband is an NPP constituency chairman, and we have been married for 25 years. But the fact that he holds that position does not mean I make decisions based on his political affiliation. In 2020, we went on strike, and we have threatened several strikes over issues concerning our conditions of service. So now, when the national council of the association fights for nurses, people claim it’s because my husband is in the NPP? That’s unfair.”
She further clarified that the decision to strike was taken collectively by the GRNMA’s national executives and national council, not by her alone.
“I didn’t take this decision in isolation. The national executives and national council met and agreed on the strike, so I am not the sole person behind it.”Mrs. Ofori Ampofo reiterated that she does not engage in partisan politics and that her advocacy is solely in the interest of nurses.
“I do not engage in partisan politics; I address issues as they are. Suggesting that my husband is behind the strike to make the government unpopular is not only an insult to me but also him. He has his vision, and I have mine as a professional. He does not dictate my actions. I work with my executives and the national council. Does that mean they are all NPP members too?”
She emphasized that the GRNMA’s demands are purely centred on improving the working conditions of nurses and midwives, urging the public to separate professional advocacy from political bias.
Source: Oyerepafmonline.com/Joseph Marfo
