7,000 Nurses Placed on Payroll, Gov’t Working to Clear Backlog – Health Minister Akandoh

Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has revealed that 7,000 nurses have been successfully enrolled onto the national payroll, with processes underway to migrate thousands of others who remain unpaid.

The minister disclosed this during an unannounced visit to the Bibiani Government Hospital in the Western North Region on Thursday.

“In 2024, when your clearance was issued, the process did not start early. Some of you were posted in 2025, and there was a directive that those recruited after December 7 should go home. The President graciously exempted the health sector from that directive, which allowed you to stay,” he explained.

Mr. Akandoh noted that out of 15,000 clearances issued, 13,500 nurses were recruited. Of this figure, 10,000 names have already been captured onto the payroll, with 7,000 currently receiving salaries. The remaining 3,000 are gradually being migrated to ensure full payment.

The minister also responded to concerns that some doctors had reportedly gone without pay for up to eight months. “I would have to investigate before I can make a comment on that,” he told journalist Evans Nkum.

The assurance is expected to calm growing agitation among health professionals who have been pressing government to fast-track salary payments.