Hundreds of nurses and midwives took to the streets of Accra on Thursday, October 2, to demand payment of their long-overdue salaries.

The Coalition of Unpaid Nurses and Midwives says close to 7,000 health workers have gone without pay for almost 10 months.

The protest began at Efua Sutherland Children’s Park and moved through the capital before ending at the Ministries of Finance and Health, where petitions were presented.

The coalition explained that members received postings in December 2024 after financial clearance. While about 6,500 colleagues were paid in April 2025, thousands are still waiting for their arrears despite repeated appeals.

Convener Stephen Kwadwo Takyiah described the situation as unacceptable and harmful to healthcare delivery.

“The delay in settling salaries is demoralising and crippling the delivery of quality healthcare across the country,” he said.

Some nurses shared their struggles during the march. One said she risked eviction.

“My rent is due this December, and I have no money. I borrowed from friends and family, but now they ignore my calls.”

Another nurse revealed how poverty affects his daily survival.

“Most days I wait until 2 p.m. to eat ‘gob3’ and then drink water until the next day. Sometimes I eat once, and on some days not at all.”

The protest highlights a recurring challenge in Ghana’s public sector, where newly recruited staff, especially in health and education, face long salary delays.

For the nurses and midwives, the protest was not only about arrears but also about survival and dignity.

By marching, they appealed directly to government and the public, insisting that health workers who save lives must be treated fairly and paid promptly.