Gov’t to clear unpaid nurses, midwives’ salaries from November – Health Minister

Minister of Health Kwabena Mintah Akandoh says the government will clear all outstanding salary arrears owed to nurses and midwives by November.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra, the minister said the Ministry of Finance had received Cabinet approval to release funds for the payments. He explained that about 7,000 nurses have already been paid, while 3,000 are on the payroll awaiting payment. A further 3,500 are being processed, bringing the total number of affected health workers to 13,500.

“As I speak to you now, about 6,500 will add up to the 7,000 already being paid, making 13,500; that’s a lot, that’s over 6,000. The Cabinet has approved that with immediate effect. Starting from November, the Minister for Finance must pay them. And I have in my hand the letter to that effect,” Mr Akandoh said.

The minister expressed sympathy for nurses and midwives who had endured months of financial difficulty. “I empathise with anybody who has had to go through this painful situation. And it is important for Ghanaians to be taken care of,” he added.

Mr Akandoh also announced progress in resolving wider recruitment and payment issues in the health sector. He said 883 medical house officers who began work in 2024 without pay have now been placed on salary, and clearance has been secured for 203 doctors recruited late last year.

He added that 800 newly qualified doctors and 321 pharmacists have been approved for placement, while 15,755 rotation nurses and midwives and 2,154 allied health interns will start receiving allowances from next month.

“The government is determined to strengthen systems, uphold accountability, and protect the welfare of Ghana’s health workforce,” the minister said.