Dr Sebastian Sandaare, Vice Chair of the Parliamentary Health Committee, has emphasised that the uniform allowance for nurses and midwives in Ghana is a key component of their motivational package, and there is strong justification for demanding it.
His comments come amid ongoing negotiations between the government and the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) regarding various issues affecting nurses.
In an interview on TV3’s Hot Issues with Keminni Amanor, Dr. Sandaare explained that the uniform allowance is included in the conditions of service for nurses to help motivate healthcare workers. This was reported by 3news.com on June 22, 2025.
He stated that the uniform allowance plays a crucial role in the welfare of nurses and is designed to encourage them in their work.
“Sometimes, it is corporate policy to motivate workers beyond their salary. This is the extra mile we can go just to motivate the staff. So, I believe it is in that light that the government has taken it up,” he said.
Dr Sandaare further elaborated that providing additional benefits, such as a uniform allowance, is part of a broader policy aimed at motivating employees beyond their base pay.
“When I was working as a medical doctor over ten years ago, this was part of their motivational package, and the government decided to take it up to encourage them,” he remarked on Sunday, June 22, 2025.
His assurance has been positively received by nurses, who have long advocated for the allowance.
Reflecting on his experience, Dr. Sandaare noted, “When I was working as a medical doctor over ten years ago, the issue of the uniform allowance was already prevalent. It is part of their motivational package, and the government recognises the need to support them.”
He expressed full support for the uniform allowance for nurses and midwives, stressing that improving the working conditions of these professionals is crucial to delivering quality healthcare in the country. He also noted that if the allowance can help retain health workers and discourage them from seeking opportunities abroad, he is fully in favour of it.
“If providing uniforms for our nurses and midwives can motivate them to stay in this country and work, I’m on board with that,” he stated.
He added, “There is justification for this, and the government is working hard to ensure a motivated workforce. I believe that whatever actions the government can take to make nurses happy and encourage them to remain in the country are essential, and I believe members of the Health Committee will support this viewpoint.”
Following strike action over the implementation of their conditions of service, which were agreed upon in May 2024, nurses and midwives have returned to work. The strike had a significant impact, as emergency services were withdrawn.
After intervention by the Parliamentary Health Committee, the strike was suspended on June 13, 2025.
The GRNMA announced, “As a result, the industrial action initiated on June 2, 2025, is hereby suspended pending the outcome of a follow-up meeting scheduled for June 26, 2025.”
The meeting with Parliament’s Health Committee on June 12 was described as “very fruitful” and helped set the stage for resolving the issues at hand.
Dr Sandaare’s statement is a constructive step towards addressing the concerns of nurses and ensuring they are adequately motivated to provide excellent care to patients.
NAD/KA
