The Ministry of Health (Ghana) has secured financial clearance from the Ministry of Finance (Ghana) for the payment of allowances and salaries for thousands of health professionals currently undergoing training and mandatory service across the country.
According to a press release issued by the Ministry, the approval covers 14,279 rotation nurses and midwives as well as 637 medical and dental house officers who are undertaking their professional training within Ghana’s health system.
The Ministry explained that the clearance follows sustained engagements between the health and finance ministries aimed at ensuring that newly trained health professionals receive the financial support required to complete their mandatory service and clinical training.
“The Ministry will continue collaborating closely with the Ministry of Finance and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that health workers are sufficiently supported in delivering quality healthcare services to the people of Ghana.”
Tony Goodman, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Health
Rotation nurses and midwives are graduates of nursing and midwifery training institutions who must complete a mandatory clinical rotation in accredited health facilities before receiving full professional certification.
The Ministry stated that the financial clearance covers several nursing categories currently undergoing their rotations, including Registered General Nurses, Registered Midwives, Registered Mental Health Nurses, Registered Community Health Nurses and Registered Public Health Nurses.
These groups began their professional rotations last year and are expected to complete their training later this year. The financial clearance therefore ensures that allowances owed to these health professionals can now be processed and paid.
House Officers Also Covered
In addition to the nurses and midwives, the clearance also covers 637 medical and dental house officers. House officers are medical and dental graduates who have successfully completed their studies and passed the professional examinations administered by the Medical and Dental Council of Ghana.
Following their certification, they are inducted into national service and must complete a housemanship programme in accredited hospitals before becoming fully licensed practitioners.
According to the Ministry, the group of house officers covered by the clearance graduated from various public and private institutions, passed the council’s examinations and were officially inducted into service on November 12, 2025.
Clearing Backlogs and Reforming Payment Systems
The Ministry of Health noted that the approvals will also help clear payment backlogs accumulated over previous years, which have been a major concern among health professionals undergoing mandatory service.
In recent years, delays in the payment of allowances for rotation nurses and other trainee health workers have generated tensions within the sector, with some groups threatening protests over unpaid allowances.
The Ministry indicated that the latest financial clearance forms part of a broader effort to resolve such challenges and improve the welfare of health workers across the country.
As part of this effort, the Ministry is introducing a new policy that will ensure allowances for mandatory service personnel are paid monthly rather than accumulated and paid in lump sums at the end of their service period.
Officials say the new system will reduce financial pressure on young health professionals who often rely on the allowances to cover accommodation, transportation and other living expenses during their training.
Strengthening Ghana’s Health Workforce
Authorities say supporting trainee health professionals remains essential to strengthening Ghana’s healthcare system. Rotation nurses, midwives and house officers form a critical part of the healthcare workforce, providing services in hospitals, clinics and community health facilities while completing their professional training.
The Ministry noted that ensuring timely payment of allowances will help motivate health workers and improve the delivery of healthcare services across the country.
The Ministry also reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Finance and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that health professionals receive the necessary support as they contribute to the country’s healthcare system. The release was signed by Tony Goodman, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Health.
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