Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, says all 13,500 nurses recently recruited into the public health sector are now receiving their salaries, with outstanding arrears expected to be fully paid by July. Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show on Monday, June 2, the minister said addressing the delayed payment of newly recruited health workers became one of his top priorities upon assuming office.
According to Mr. Akandoh, thousands of nurses who had been recruited into the health sector were facing challenges accessing their salaries, a situation that generated widespread concern and protests.
He explained that the Ministry of Health engaged the Ministry of Finance to secure the necessary approvals and funding required to place the affected workers on the government payroll.
“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,” he said.
The health minister also dismissed claims that the government intended to waive or withhold salary arrears owed to the workers.
He stressed that all employees who had rendered services were entitled to their earnings and assured the affected nurses that the outstanding arrears would be paid.
Mr. Akandoh disclosed that the government is targeting July to complete the payment of all arrears owed to the nurses. The minister further revealed that financial clearance has been granted for the recruitment of an additional 16,000 health workers this year. However, he noted that the initial phase of the exercise is expected to cover approximately 8,000 personnel.
The move forms part of the government’s efforts to strengthen the healthcare workforce and improve healthcare delivery across the country.
