A group calling itself the Coalition of Unpaid Nurses and Midwives is demanding the immediate payment of eight months’ salary arrears owed to its members across the country.
The coalition, made up of over 7,000 registered nurses and midwives working in public health facilities, says despite receiving financial clearance, government has failed to honour its obligation since January 2025, leaving them in severe economic hardship.
At a press conference, members of the coalition recounted harrowing experiences of emotional and financial distress. Some said they have been unable to pay rent, cater for basic needs, or settle hospital bills. One nurse revealed that his landlord has given him an ultimatum to settle a rent arrears of GH¢1,500 by August 21 or face eviction.
“We are emotionally drained. Aside from not getting money to cater for our needs, we are psychologically tormented. As health workers, we are expected to be physically, emotionally, and mentally fit to care for patients, but under these conditions, how can we deliver?” one distraught nurse lamented.
Another recounted how she was recently hospitalized with pneumonia after sleeping on the bare floor due to financial constraints.
The coalition accused the government of prioritizing the removal of ghost names over addressing the plight of legitimate workers who keep the health system running.
Convener of the group, Stephen Kwadwo Takyi, called on government to, by September 2025, pay all arrears owed them and provide a clear and binding timeline for resolving the matter.
“This is not just about money. It is about fairness, dignity, and respect for the men and women who hold Ghana’s health system together. If nothing concrete is done, government will hear from us. We will not sit back while our profession is disrespected and our lives destroyed,” he warned.
The coalition says it is willing to wait for a month for government to act, after which it will roll out its next line of action.
Their plea comes at a time when Ghana’s health sector is already under strain, and they warn that failure to address their concerns could further disrupt health service delivery.
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