Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Ampem Nyarko has assured the Coalition of Unpaid Nurses and Midwives that their outstanding salaries will be addressed in the next budget presentation.
Speaking to the coalition following their protest at the Ministry of Finance, Nyarko acknowledged the difficulties health workers face and promised swift action.
“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 said.
Nyarko also expressed appreciation for the dedication of the health workers, some of whom were visibly unwell but still made the effort to submit their petition.
“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.
The assurance comes after the coalition staged a protest at the Finance Ministry, demanding the payment of nine to 10 months’ salary arrears owed to about 7,000 of its members. The Deputy Finance Minister’s statement suggests that the matter will be formally addressed in the upcoming budget presentation, offering hope to the affected nurses and midwives.
