The Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Ampem Nyarko has assured the Coalition of Unpaid Nurses and Midwives that their outstanding salaries will be captured in the next budget presentation.
His assurance follows a protest by the coalition, which presented a petition to the Ministry of Finance demanding the payment of nine to 10 months’ salary arrears owed to about 7,000 members.
Upon receiving the petition, Mr. Ampem reiterated government’s commitment to resolving the matter.
“The message I give them is what I’m giving to you: that your issue is being addressed. We have inherited numerous legacy challenges, and we are working diligently to address them all. In the next month or so, the Finance Minister will be in Parliament to present a new budget. Issues of health workers who have not been paid, not just you, there are even some doctors and others, are seriously being considered, and you are going to receive your salary,” he stated.
The Deputy Minister also expressed gratitude to the nurses and midwives for their service, while apologizing for the delay.
“We appreciate the work that you do for Ghana, and I’m sorry for those of you who are not even well, but have had to walk all the way here to present this petition. It will be given the needed urgent attention, as you have stated, and you’ll hear back from us,” he added.
“Convener of the coalition, Stephen Kwadwo Takyiah, expressed frustration over the situation, describing it as unfair and unsustainable. He noted that the delays were demoralizing health workers and undermining healthcare delivery across the country.” Citinewsroom