The Ghana Association of Certified Registered Anaesthetists (GACRA) announced today that it will launch a nationwide strike on 1 December 2026 if the government fails to meet its demands for better conditions of service. The association’s president, James Nwinsagra, told members at the 8th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Sessions that they would have no option but to withdraw their services if concerns were not addressed promptly.
"If our concerns are not addressed appropriately within the shortest time favourably, we will have no option than to lay down our tools by December 1, 2026," Mr Nwinsagra said. He added that the association had secured a Collective Agreement after two years of talks with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, but the government‑approved terms still fell short of members’ expectations.
Mr Nwinsagra highlighted the vital role anaesthesia providers play in Ghana’s health system, noting that they often work under difficult conditions and serve millions of people. He pointed out that the country had about 1,200 certified registered anaesthetists (CRAs) in 2023, but roughly 30 percent of trained professionals had left the country seeking better opportunities. According to GHS records, only 582 CRAs remain, giving a ratio of one anaesthetist to about 34,994 residents.
The president called for an expansion of anaesthesia training institutions, stressing that Ghana currently has only two Bachelor of Science‑awarding schools under the Ministry of Health and one under the Ministry of Defence. He expressed particular concern over the premier training school in Kumasi, which has been directed to halt admissions because of accreditation challenges and lacks basic infrastructure such as a lecture hall and library.
Mr Nwinsagra urged the Minister of Health to intervene urgently to address these challenges and to upgrade anaesthesia programmes to master’s degree‑awarding status. He also called for opportunities for further specialisation in paediatric, obstetric anaesthesia and pain management, and for the inclusion of anaesthesia in specialist training at the Pantang centre.
He praised C.K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences for launching an MPhil programme in anaesthesia at its Navrongo campus, but urged that graduates receive permanent teaching appointments and that the programme be formally recognised by the Medical and Dental Council.
GACRA’s long‑standing concerns over the regulator’s Scope of Practice document and the recognition of the Certified Registered Anaesthetist designation were also reiterated, recalling the January 2022 withdrawal of services over similar issues.
Should the government fail to act, the association has made clear that it will walk off the job on 1 December, potentially disrupting surgical and anaesthetic services nationwide. The health sector will be closely watched for any developments as the deadline approaches.
