Unpaid Nurses and Midwives Protest Over 8-Month Salary Arrears

A coalition representing over 7,000 nurses and midwives across public health facilities in Ghana has staged a protest to demand the immediate payment of eight months of salary arrears.

The group, known as the Coalition of Unpaid Nurses and Midwives, marched today, drawing national attention to what they described as unbearable economic hardship.

According to the coalition, despite receiving financial clearance earlier this year, the government has failed to honour its responsibility to release funds for their salaries.

Speaking during the demonstration, Convener of the coalition, Stephen Kwadwo Takyiah, said the situation has taken an immense emotional and financial toll on members.

“We are emotionally drained working for months without pay, with no assurances of when our salaries will come,” he lamented.

He explained that the delay has plunged many health workers into what he called an “economic quagmire,” as they struggle to meet basic needs such as rent, food, and transportation.

The protest highlights a recurring problem in the public sector where newly recruited health professionals often wait months, sometimes years, before being placed on the government’s payroll.

Observers warn that the continuous neglect of frontline health workers could undermine the country’s healthcare delivery, particularly as nurses and midwives play a vital role in saving lives across communities.

As of now, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance have not issued any statement regarding the protest or given a timeline for payment of the arrears.

The coalition has vowed to intensify its pressure until government honours its commitment, stressing that dedication to saving lives must be matched with timely and consistent compensation.