Health Minister Confirms All 13,500 Recruited Nurses Now on Payroll, Arrears Due by July

Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has announced that all 13,500 nurses recruited into Ghana’s public health system are now receiving their monthly salaries, bringing closure to months of uncertainty that had sparked protests and widespread frustration among newly posted health workers.

Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show on Monday, Mr Akandoh revealed that one of the most pressing challenges he inherited upon assuming office was the delayed payment of thousands of recently recruited nurses. Many had been posted to health facilities across the country but left without salaries for months, raising questions about the government’s commitment to its healthcare workforce promises.

“When I assumed office, about 13,500 nurses had been recruited but were facing payment challenges. It was a difficult period, but through engagements with the Ministry of Finance, we were able to secure approval for their salaries,” the Minister explained.

The payment delays had become a significant source of tension between health workers and the government, with some nurses reportedly struggling to meet basic living expenses while serving in underserved communities. The situation highlighted persistent gaps in Ghana’s public sector payroll management, a recurring bottleneck that has affected successive administrations.

Mr Akandoh moved to dispel rumours that the government intended to write off or withhold the salary arrears owed to the affected workers. “There were rumours that the government would not pay workers for the months they had already worked. That was never the case. If people have worked, they must be paid,” he stated firmly.

The Minister disclosed that the government is targeting July to complete the payment of all outstanding arrears. He described the timeline as realistic, noting that the necessary financial approvals have already been secured.

Beyond resolving the immediate payroll crisis, Mr Akandoh also announced that the government has received financial clearance to recruit an additional 16,000 health workers this year. The initial phase is expected to cover approximately 8,000 personnel, a move that could help address chronic staffing shortages in hospitals and clinics, particularly in rural areas.

The announcement comes at a time when Ghana’s health sector continues to grapple with significant human resource challenges. The World Health Organisation recommends a minimum ratio of 44.5 health workers per 10,000 population, a benchmark Ghana has struggled to meet, especially outside the major urban centres.

The successful integration of the 13,500 nurses into the payroll system represents a tangible step toward closing that gap, though much work remains. With the promise of further recruitment this year, the government signals its intent to strengthen the frontline of the country’s healthcare delivery.

Image Source: MYJOYONLINE