By Enock Akonnor (Managing Editor) enockakonnor2013@gmail.com
A coalition of unpaid nurses and midwives has accused the Government of Ghana of neglect and betrayal after working for an entire year without full remuneration, describing their situation as “inhumane” and a threat to the country’s health system.
At a press conference held on Monday, December 15, 2025, at the GRNMA Guest House Conference Room in Ejisu-Krapa, leadership of the group revealed that despite rendering continuous services for twelve months, members have received only one month’s salary, with about 300 nurses and midwives receiving nothing at all.
According to the coalition, the situation is worsened by the fact that the extended financial clearance for affected staff is set to expire on December 31, 2025, leaving many uncertain about their future.
The group further disclosed disparities in salary payments among health workers.
While over 7,000 nurses and midwives who began receiving salaries in April 2025 have reportedly been paid all their arrears, a total of 6,261 others remain unpaid. Some members who were validated for full arrears in November 2025 were allegedly paid only one month’s salary, an action the coalition described as deceptive and heartbreaking.
Addressing journalists, President of the Coalition, Stephen K. Takyiah, said the Ministry of Health had promised to publish a payment roadmap after the November salary but has since gone silent. He also criticized a recent government press release which claimed all affected nurses and midwives had been paid, insisting that the statement does not reflect the reality on the ground.
The coalition painted a grim picture of the living conditions of its members, noting that many are facing eviction due to unpaid rent, going to work hungry, walking long distances to health facilities due to lack of transport fare, and sinking deeper into debt. They also raised concerns about increasing cases of depression and psychological distress among unpaid health workers.
“This is not just unfair; it is inhumane,” Mr. Takyiah said. “It is a betrayal of nurses and midwives who continue to keep Ghana’s health system running despite being neglected.”
The coalition is demanding immediate communication from both the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance, as well as the full payment of all accumulated salary arrears. They also called for fairness, transparency, and respect for the dignity of health workers.
“We have served Ghana faithfully,” Mr. Takyiah concluded. “It is time for Ghana to do the same for us.”
Enock Akonnor is an experienced Ghanaian journalist, based in Kumasi and currently serves as the CEO and Managing Editor of www.leakyghana.com.
With a wealth of expertise built over many years in the media industry, he has earned a solid reputation as one of Ghana’s most sought-after journalists.
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✉️ enockakonnor2013@gmail.com
