Nurses Demanding GH¢588m Funeral Allowance From Government?

The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) is reportedly demanding a funeral grant of GHC 588,000,000 annually, as part of an overall GHC 4.1 billion Conditions of Service Allowance package agreed upon in May, 2024

Documents seen on the Facebook page of Hopeson Adorye, a leading member of Alan Kyerematen’s Movement for Change on Wednesday, 11th June, 2025 and later defended by him on television, reveal the comprehensive list of allowances the GRNMA allegedly negotiated with the government through the Ministry of Health and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC).

The agreement was signed on May 20, 2024 and was set to be implemented on July 1, 2024.

Among the 13 listed allowances are:

• Funeral Grant – GHC 588,000,000
• Permanent Posting Allowance – GHC 1,440,000,000
• Temporary Posting Allowance – GHC 1,100,000,000
• 13th Month Allowance – GHC 480,000,000
• Fuel Allowance – GHC 237,384,000

The total cost of these allowances is a staggering GHC 4.1 billion, which was not included in the government’s 2025 budget.

According to the documents shared by Mr. Hopeson Adorye, the agreed-upon allowances cover a wide range of benefits for nurses and midwives in the public sector:

Vehicle and Travel Allowances:

• Vehicle Maintenance Allowance:

o    Car: GHC 210/month

o    Motorcycle: GHC 70/month

o    Bicycle: GHC 28/month

• Kilometric Allowance:

o    Car: GHC 3.50/km

o    Motorcycle: GHC 1.40/km

Medical Subsidy:

• Covers the employee, spouse, and up to four children under 18 years via NHIS.
• 50% of medical costs not covered by NHIS to be subsidized.
• Children up to 23 years old and still in school also eligible.

Funeral Grant:

• Employee: GHC 2,100
• Spouse/Child: GHC 1,400 each

Uniform & Fuel Allowances:

• Uniform: GHC 1,000 annually
• Fuel: 180 liters/month at GHC 10.99/litre or approved ex-pump rate

Salary-Linked Allowances:

• Non-Basic Allowance: 8% of basic salary
• On-Call Facilitation: 5% of basic salary
• 13th Month Pay: One extra month’s salary per year

Other Benefits:

• Rural Incentive: For those working in rural areas
• Night/Out-of-Station Allowances: Range from GHC 210 to GHC 490/night depending on rank
• Day Trip Allowances: GHC 105 – GHC 245/day
• Continuous Professional Development: Employer to bear costs for license renewal and training

Per the document which was allegedly signed by the President of GRNMA, Mrs. Perpetual Ofori Ampofo and Ing. Benjamin Arthur, Chief Executive of Fair Wages and Salary Commission (FWSC), on 20th May, 2024 indicated that for the avoidance of doubt, “Degree Awarding Public Health Sector Institutions” are Public Health Sector Institutions offering Tertiary programmes in Diploma, Degree, Masters and PhD.

Additionally, the existing provision on Medical/Health Care for all Nurses and Midwives in the Public Sector is to be maintained with the agreed amendment as contained in the
Collective Agreement.

However, the GRNMA in productive discussions with the government, mediated by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health is gaining some grounds.

The meeting, which brought together high-level representatives from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Finance and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), alongside GRNMA officials, marked a significant shift in the impasse that has gripped the health sector since June 4, 2025.

Despite the National Labour Commission’s declaration that the strike is illegal, GRNMA has maintained its stance, vowing not to return to work until tangible steps are taken to address its demands.

During the meeting, the government team appealed to GRNMA to call off the strike and return to the negotiation table, stressing the importance of continued dialogue.

The parties agreed to reconvene in two weeks to further deliberate on the implementation of the 2024 Collective Agreement.

According to a statement issued on June 12, 2025 the discussions were constructive, with both sides demonstrating willingness to compromise.

The government reiterated its challenges in implementing the agreed-upon conditions due to current budgetary constraints but reaffirmed its commitment to reaching a solution that is fair and sustainable.

The Parliamentary Select Committee on Health acknowledged the legitimacy of GRNMA’s concerns and pledged to play an active role in ensuring a resolution is found.

Committee members commended both parties for engaging in dialogue and underscored the urgent need to restore normalcy in the health sector.

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