More than 7,000 nurses and midwives working in public health facilities across Ghana have staged a nationwide protest, demanding the immediate payment of eight months’ worth of unpaid salaries.
The demonstrators, united under the banner of the Coalition of Unpaid Nurses and Midwives, say they have not received any payment since January 2025, despite receiving official financial clearance—a critical step required for salary disbursement.
Gathering in various locations across the country, the protesters carried placards and chanted slogans highlighting the economic hardship they face. Many say they are struggling to afford basic necessities such as rent, food, and transportation.
“We are emotionally and financially drained,” said Stephen Kwadwo Takyiah, Convener of the coalition. “We’ve continued to work without pay for months, and there’s no clear communication on when we’ll be paid.”
He described the situation as an “economic quagmire” that has left many health workers unable to support themselves or their families.
The protest brings renewed attention to a recurring challenge within Ghana’s public sector, where newly recruited professionals frequently face prolonged delays in salary payments—even after beginning official duties.
Health professionals warn that such delays not only undermine their personal well-being but also risk compromising the quality of care delivered to patients in already-strained healthcare facilities.
Despite growing public pressure, both the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance have yet to issue a formal response or provide a clear timeline for when the arrears will be paid.
The coalition says it will continue to push for its demands through further advocacy and demonstrations if necessary.
“We’ve fulfilled our duty to the nation. It’s time the government fulfilled its duty to us,” Takyiah added.
