Over 7,000 nurses and midwives working in public health facilities across Ghana have staged a protest, demanding immediate payment of eight months’ salary arrears. The health professionals, who have not received pay since January, claim they are facing severe economic hardship.
The Coalition of Unpaid Nurses and Midwives, representing the group, highlighted the dire conditions they’re working under. Despite having financial clearance, the government has failed to honor its financial obligations, leaving the nurses and midwives “emotionally drained” with no assurance of payment.
The coalition’s convener, Stephen Kwadwo Takyiah, explained that the financial strain has plunged them into an “economic quagmire,” making it difficult to meet basic needs like rent and transportation. The prolonged delay in salaries not only affects their well-being but may also impact the quality of care provided to patients.
The Ministry of Health and Ministry of Finance have yet to issue a public statement or provide a timeline for payment. The coalition vows to continue pushing for payment, arguing that their dedication to work deserves timely and consistent compensation.
