The Rotational Nurses and Midwives Association of Ghana has delivered a stern ultimatum to the government, demanding immediate action over the prolonged delay in the disbursement of their allowances.

At a press briefing held on Wednesday, May 14, in Accra, the National President, Mr Ebenezer Boateng, voiced frustration over what he described as “systematic neglect” by the Ministry of Health, which has left hundreds of rotational health workers uncompensated for nearly a year.

“We’ve been diligently working since May 2024 – almost a full year – without receiving financial clearance, thereby depriving us of our rightful allowances,” Mr Boateng stated.

“These repeated delays reflect a broader pattern of neglect that has persisted for over four years, with little to no meaningful intervention from the Ministry of Health.”

Mr Boateng revealed that the ongoing financial hardship has taken a grave toll on members of the association.

According to him, five rotational nurses and midwives have tragically passed away during the period, and six others are battling chronic illnesses requiring urgent medical attention, but cannot afford the care they need due to the lack of payment.

The association has issued a one-week ultimatum, equivalent to 14 working days, to both the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance to resolve the issue. Their demands are in two-fold:

1. Immediate financial clearance for all rotational nurses and midwives, including newly posted colleagues.
2. Timely payment of accumulated allowances, to be completed within 14 days of receiving clearance.

Mr Boateng warned that failure to comply could result in further action.

He stressed that the members' ability to continue delivering quality healthcare services is being severely undermined by the current situation.

“Our members are essential to the health system. The government must treat this as a matter of urgency, not just for our sake, but for the patients who rely on us daily,” he said.