Ghanaian Nurses Demand Payment for 10 Months’ Unpaid Salaries
Nearly 7,000 members of the Coalition of Unpaid Nurses and Midwives Ghana staged a massive protest. The Ghanaian nurses demand payment for nine to ten months of salary arrears. On Thursday, October 2, the determined healthcare workers marched through Accra’s streets. They moved from Efua Sutherland Children’s Park to the Ministries of Finance and Health. Protesters wore red armbands and their uniforms. They carried placards with strong messages. For example, some signs read, “Pay us now,” and “We are nurses, not slaves.”
The protestors highlighted severe, painful personal hardships. Specifically, nurse Jacqueline shared a difficult situation. She noted, “We cannot be advising patients to eat at least three times a day. Yet, we ourselves can’t even afford two square meals.” Consequently, many staff members endure long daily commutes without funds. They frequently rely on only one meal each day while tirelessly providing patient care. Another nurse described the grueling survival struggle. He revealed, “Most days I wait until 2 p.m. just to eat ‘gob3’.” He then drinks water until the next day. Sometimes he eats only once.
The group, representing 6,500 colleagues, presented an official petition. Convenor Stephen Kwadwo Takyiah read excerpts aloud. He stated the government had delayed payment. Allegedly, this delay stemmed from budgetary constraints. Also, the expiration of their financial clearance played a role. Furthermore, Takyiah argued forcefully against this bureaucratic delay. He said, “It is unacceptable for duly recruited health professionals… to be lumped together with payroll irregularities.” The coalition demanded three actions. They wanted a budgetary provision for the accumulated salaries. Additionally, they sought a clear timeline for payment. Finally, they requested transparent collaboration between the two ministries.
The Ghanaian nurses demand payment because they feel their dedication is not valued. Takyiah recounted heartbreaking stories from colleagues. He lamented, “Our people are suffering and some are dying.” Takyiah drew a powerful parallel. He declared, “To deny citizens and health workers their salaries is the greatest crime any leader can commit.” They desperately pleaded with the government to act urgently. He warned that the healthcare system is collapsing without action.
Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Ampem Nyarko received the petition. He assured the protesting nurses their arrears would be included in the next budget. Meanwhile, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh promised a meeting. He stated his ministry would meet with the Ministry of Finance. However, the crowd booed Akandoh. The persistent bureaucratic delays clearly frustrated the health professionals. Speaking later, Takyiah expressed dissatisfaction with both responses. Therefore, his group will consult with the remaining members. They will decide the next line of action. The protest highlights a recurring problem in Ghana’s public sector. New recruits in health and education often face long, demoralizing salary delays. The group insists on prompt, fair treatment for these critical life-savers.
Source: Graphic Online, News Ghana
