The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has announced that the government will clear all outstanding salary arrears owed to nurses and midwives by November.

Speaking at a press conference amid growing agitation from nurses’ unions across the country, the Minister revealed that the Ministry of Finance has received Cabinet approval to release funds for the payments.

According to Mr Akandoh, about 7,000 nurses are currently receiving payments, 3,000 are on the payroll but yet to be paid, while an additional 3,500 are being processed, bringing the total number of affected health workers to 13,500.

He explained that the Cabinet had given the green light for the Ministry of Finance to begin payment immediately, starting in November.

“As I speak to you now, about 6,500, that will add up to the 7,000 already being paid, making 13,500; that’s a lot, that’s over 6,000. The Cabinet has approved that with immediate effect. Starting from November, the Minister for Finance must pay them. And I have in my hand the letter to that effect,” he stated.

Mr Akandoh expressed empathy for the affected nurses and midwives who have endured months of financial hardship.

“And so these were the difficulties. I empathise with anybody who has had to go through this painful situation. And it is important for Ghanaians to be taken care of,” he added.

The Health Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the welfare concerns of health workers and ensuring the timely payment of their entitlements.