Understanding the Drivers of Strike Actions Among Nurses in Ghana: A Qualitative Study

TL;DR

This study explores why nurses in Ghana go on strike, focusing on their experiences and the conditions that lead to such actions.

Contribution

The study provides new qualitative insights into the motivations and challenges driving nurses to strike in Ghana.

Findings

Poor remuneration and lack of logistics were major drivers of strike actions.

Perceived government neglect and emotional exhaustion were key contributing factors.

Professional identity struggles emerged as a significant theme among participants.

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the rationale behind nurses' decisions to strike, focusing on the lived experiences, motivations, and institutional conditions that prompt such industrial actions.

A qualitative exploratory study.

A semi‐structured interview was conducted with 20 professional nurses working with a district, regional, or teaching hospital who have ever engaged in strike. Participants were selected from public hospitals across 5 regions in Ghana based on their consent to participate in the study across Ghana between March 2025 and June 2025. The data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's method.

Data analysis led to five themes and fifteen subthemes. These include poor remuneration, lack of adequate logistics, perceived government neglect, professional identity struggles, and emotional exhaustion.

The findings highlight the urgent need for policy interventions that address systemic inequities and improve the professional welfare of nurses.

No patient or public contribution.