Members of the Coalition of Unpaid Nurses and Midwives have warned of possible industrial action if government delays in settling their salary arrears persist, raising concerns about a potential disruption to healthcare services across the country.
The coalition, which represents more than 6,000 nurses and midwives nationwide, says its members are owed up to 11 months of salary arrears. According to the group, while some members have received only one month’s pay, about 300 nurses and midwives have not been paid at all since they commenced work in December 2024.
Addressing a press conference in Ejisu in the Ashanti Region, the aggrieved health workers accused authorities of failing to honour commitments made to them. They said the Ministry of Health had earlier assured them that a clear payment plan would be announced after the November salary was settled, but no such plan has been communicated.
The coalition described the situation as deceptive and emotionally draining, noting that the prolonged delay has plunged many members into severe financial hardship.
“We have responsibilities like rent, families and children to take care of. Just this month, many of our landlords were after us for rent. I mostly commute from Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital to Santasi, and sometimes I have to continue on foot because I haven’t been paid,” said Michael Makafui, one of the affected nurses.
He added, “We are not asking for promises. We just want our arrears settled this month. If we had been paid, we wouldn’t be here today.”
The coalition warned that failure by government to urgently address the issue could force members to lay down their tools, a move that could significantly affect healthcare delivery in public health facilities nationwide.
The nurses and midwives are calling on government to immediately pay all outstanding arrears and communicate clearly on measures being taken to prevent a recurrence of the situation.