Addressing a press conference, the Minority accused the ruling government of politicizing public administration and misleading Ghanaians on the matter.

Ranking Member on the Health Committee, Dr. Nana Afriyie Ayew, who led the call, revealed that the previous administration had secured financial clearance for the recruitment and payment of over 15,000 nurses and midwives before leaving office.

He cited a letter dated April 15, 2024, signed by Abena Osei Asare, then-Minister of State at the Finance Ministry, authorizing the Health Ministry to recruit 15,200 nurses and midwives, with remuneration charged to the 2024 annual budget.

Dr. Afriyie Ayew therefore questioned why the health workers remain unpaid despite the approved budgetary allocation and urged the government to honor its obligation without further delay.

Source: AdomOnline

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His assurance comes after members of the coalition staged a protest on Thursday, October 2, 2025, demanding payment of nine to ten months’ arrears owed to about 7,000 nurses and midwives.

The demonstrators marched from the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park to the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Health, where they submitted petitions.

Receiving the petition, Mr. Ampem acknowledged the challenges and reaffirmed government’s commitment.

“Your issue is being addressed. In the next month or so, when the Finance Minister presents the budget, the matter of unpaid health workers, including doctors and nurses, will be considered. You are going to receive your salary,” he assured.

He also expressed gratitude to the nurses and midwives for their service and apologised for the delays.

Meanwhile, Convenor of the coalition, Stephen Kwadwo Takyiah, described the situation as unfair and unsustainable, warning that the prolonged non-payment is demoralising health workers and undermining healthcare delivery nationwide.

Source: AdomOnline

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She said this was necessary because those left behind could face burnout and stress.

The President of GCNM was speaking in an interview on the sidelines of the College’s 8th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and 4th Scientific Conference at Gomoa Fetteh in the Central region.

It was held on the theme; “A decade of nursing and midwifery specialist education in Ghana: Innovation and high impact interventions towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC)”.

Prof. Bam noted that though emigration was not new, the current situation was alarming, attributing the situation to poor remuneration and conditions of service, which must be improved.

She said: “When we talk about conditions of service it’s not only the salary, but to meet the health and educational needs of their families and be able to make progress in life.”  

The GCNM President expressed concern over the lack of adequate resources in the various facilities and called on the government to resource the facilities to enable them to execute their mandate effectively.

She said: “As a nurse, it is so frustrating when you know so well that you have the knowledge and skills to help a patient, but you lack basic resources to work.

“We have graduated nurses and midwives who are sitting at home. The more you use your skills, the more competent you become. We acknowledge the fact that there are financial challenges in the country, but the issue is that they are migrating and we need urgent action to curb the menace,” she added.

Ms Hannah Akua Oparebea Acquah, Rector, GCNM, said one sure way to motivate and retain the critical workforce would be to provide more opportunities for professional growth through higher education.

Former Registrar, Nurses and Midwives Council, Reverend Mrs Veronica Darko said the journey towards Universal Health Coverage demanded innovation, creativity and a steadfast commitment to improving the lives of people.

Rev. Mrs Darko acknowledged the importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies in the health system and assured of the College’s preparedness to embrace them.

The Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyeman Manu said empowering nurses and midwives and developing their skills through specialisation, would have a positive impact on Ghana to achieving UHC and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He assured the leadership of government’s support for the growth and development of the College.

He said: “The government will continue to strengthen and increase investment in nurses’ and midwives’ education, training and capacity building in leadership and research.

“We will continue to create the needed enabling environment, we will continue to recognise and adequately remunerate specialists trained from the College and we will continue to support specialisation of nurses and midwives.”

The conference was to network, share ideas and discuss the challenges and progress as well as projections for the ensuing years.

This year’s conference also marked the 10th anniversary of the establishment of specialist nursing and midwifery training in Ghana.

A total of 49 associate members and 178 members from Accra, Kumasi and Tamale training sites, who have met all necessary requirements were inducted into the College.

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