Proceedings in Ghana’s Parliament were thrown into disarray on Tuesday following a dramatic standoff sparked by an attempt to raise concerns over the ongoing strike by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA).
Tensions flared when Dr. Ayew Afriyie, Ranking Member on the Health Committee, insisted on making a statement on the nurses’ industrial action — a move that was firmly rejected by the First Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, who was presiding over the session.
Despite the Speaker’s refusal to admit the statement, Dr. Afriyie persisted. The confrontation escalated quickly when the Speaker ordered the Marshal to remove him from the chamber — a directive that triggered a loud uproar from members of the Minority side.
Shouting matches and heated verbal exchanges followed, with Minority MPs rising to protest the Speaker’s decision. The atmosphere became increasingly volatile, forcing the Speaker to suspend the session altogether.
“I am not going anywhere. I have a duty to speak on behalf of health workers in this country,” Dr. Afriyie reportedly told the House before being asked to leave.
As the standoff disrupted parliamentary business, the Speaker adjourned proceedings to Wednesday, leaving the issue unresolved.
The strike by the GRNMA, which has entered its third day, continues to dominate national discourse as nurses and midwives demand improved conditions of service. With Parliament now embroiled in the fallout, political observers are calling for calm and constructive dialogue in addressing both the strike and related parliamentary tensions.
