Accra, 17 August 2025 — Hundreds of nurses and midwives have taken to the streets of Accra to protest over what they describe as unbearable hardship caused by eight months of unpaid salaries. The demonstration, which began at the Ministry of Health, quickly drew national attention as health workers demanded immediate government action.
Workers in Crisis
The protestors, clad in red armbands and holding placards, marched through key streets chanting songs of frustration. Some inscriptions read “Pay Us Now,” “We Save Lives, Don’t Starve Us,” and “Respect Health Workers.”
For many of the nurses, the salary arrears have left them unable to meet even the most basic needs. “We risk our lives daily to save patients, but our own children are hungry,” lamented Akosua Mireku, a midwife from Kumasi who joined the protest. “We cannot buy food, pay school fees, or even transport ourselves to work. Enough is enough.”
Ministry Admits Delays
The Ministry of Health has acknowledged the arrears, attributing the problem to administrative bottlenecks and funding gaps. A senior official, speaking off record, admitted: “The delays are real, but the Ministry is working closely with the Finance Ministry to clear the arrears.”
However, the protestors say they are tired of excuses. Many insist they will not return to work until their salaries are paid, raising fears of disruptions in hospitals and clinics across the country.
Public Reaction
Patients and advocacy groups have expressed sympathy for the nurses. “These are the people who care for us in our most vulnerable moments. It is shameful that they are treated this way,” said Kofi Asare, a health rights activist.
Civil society groups have urged the government to prioritize health workers in its expenditure, warning that further delays could erode public trust in the system.
Wider Impact on Healthcare
Analysts warn that if the strike expands, it could cripple Ghana’s health system, particularly in rural areas where nurses and midwives are often the only available healthcare providers. Already, reports are emerging of delayed services and patients being turned away from some facilities.
What’s Next?
The nurses have given government a two-week ultimatum to pay all arrears or face a nationwide strike. Union leaders say they are prepared to escalate the protests to the Presidency if necessary.
For now, the ball is in the government’s court. Whether it responds quickly or allows the crisis to deepen could determine the stability of Ghana’s fragile healthcare system in the weeks ahead.