By Francis Kobena Tandoh
The Rotational Nurses and Midwives Association of Ghana on Wednesday issued a one-week ultimatum to the government to pay them their accumulated allowances without delay to avert industrial action.
Addressing a press conference in the Ghanaian capital of Accra, National President Ebenezer Boateng expressed frustration over what he described as “systematic neglect” by the Ministry of Health, which has left hundreds of rotational health workers uncompensated for almost a year.
According to him, the group has been deprived of what they have lawfully worked for in the past months.
“We’ve been diligently working since May 2024 – almost a full year – without receiving financial clearance, thereby depriving us of our rightful allowances. These repeated delays reflect a broader pattern of neglect that has persisted for over four years, with little to no meaningful intervention from the Ministry of Health,” said Boateng.
He observed that the ongoing financial hardship has taken a grave toll on members of the association.
According to him, five rotational nurses and midwives have tragically passed away during the period, and six others are battling chronic illnesses requiring urgent medical attention, but cannot afford the care they need due to the lack of funds.
The association has issued a one-week ultimatum, equivalent to 14 working days, to both the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance to resolve the issue. Their demands are twofold:
Immediate financial clearance for all rotational nurses and midwives, including newly posted colleagues, as well as timely payment of accumulated allowances, to be completed within 14 days of receiving clearance.
Mr Boateng warned that failure to comply could result in further action.
He stressed that the members’ ability to continue delivering quality healthcare services is being severely undermined by the current situation.
“Our members are essential to the health system. The government must treat this as a matter of urgency, not just for our sake, but for the patients who rely on us daily,” he added. Enditem
Source: Ghana Eye Report
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