The Coalition of Unpaid Nurses and Midwives says about 99 percent of its 13,000 members recruited in December 2024 have now received their outstanding salary arrears, bringing the group closer to disbanding after months of advocacy for its members’ welfare.
President of the Coalition, Stephen Kwadwo Takyiah, said the group is hopeful the remaining payments will be settled by the end of August, a development that would pave the way for the Coalition’s formal dissolution, having largely achieved the mission it was formed to pursue.
Mr Takyiah explained that the Coalition came together under a mission markedly different from where the group now stands, recalling that its members were recruited as nurses and midwives whose employment and appointment had expired by the time they engaged the Minister for Health directly to seek reinstatement onto the government payroll.
He said the group approached the Minister for assistance, and through coordination between the Ministry and its Human Resource department, members were successfully reinstated onto the payroll by what he described as divine intervention.
However, he noted that even after reinstatement, members’ salary arrears remained outstanding, prompting the Coalition to return to the Ministry to press for resolution.
Ministry Commended for “Open Door” Engagement
Mr Takyiah praised the Ministry of Health for its responsiveness throughout the process, explaining that officials remained accessible to the Coalition even during difficult periods, allowing for close collaboration between both sides.
“As we stand here, we can say that about 99 percent of our people have been paid, and that is why we have to come back to show our appreciation to the ministry for the support they gave us.”
President of the Coalition, Stephen Kwadwo Takyiah
He acknowledged that there were instances where Ministry officials went beyond their usual obligations to communicate updates and facilitate solutions for the Coalition, even in situations where such disclosures were not strictly required of them.
Ministry Staff Praised for Going the “Extra Mile”
Mr Takyiah was emphatic that the Ministry’s willingness to extend certain privileges and opportunities played a critical role in relieving the pressure Coalition members had been under as they awaited resolution of their outstanding arrears.
“They had to go the extra mile to give us certain opportunities, certain privileges, for our issue to be addressed.”
He explained that this level of engagement stood out to the Coalition, reinforcing their decision to publicly express gratitude to the Ministry rather than simply moving on quietly once payments began to materialise.
Reflecting on the group’s current status, Mr Takyiah noted that the Coalition was formed under the identity of unpaid nurses and midwives, but with the vast majority of members now paid, that name is expected to change by the end of the month as the Coalition works toward winding down its activities entirely.
He expressed hope and confidence that this transition would be completed soon, signalling that the group’s original purpose, securing payment of members’ arrears, is close to being fully realised.
Coalition Extends Gratitude Despite Past Tensions
In his closing remarks, Mr Takyiah addressed the Minister for Health, the Chief Director, and Directors of Human Resource and Public Relations directly, expressing deep gratitude on behalf of the Coalition’s nurses and midwives.
He acknowledged that there may have been moments during the group’s advocacy when its members’ approach, including engagement with the courts, may have gone further than intended, but maintained that this did not diminish the Coalition’s respect for the Ministry.
“Regardless, as we continue to remain health workers, you will continue to be our mother ministry. Come what may, we cannot have anything against the ministry.”
President of the Coalition, Stephen Kwadwo Takyiah
He reaffirmed the Coalition’s commitment to continuing to work hand in hand with the Ministry of Health going forward, describing the visit as an opportunity to formally express appreciation for what he described as a swift and supportive response to the group’s concerns.
With payments to nearly all 13,000 affected nurses and midwives now completed, the Coalition’s engagement with the Ministry appears to be moving toward a peaceful and appreciative conclusion.
Should the remaining arrears be settled by the end of August as anticipated, the Coalition’s dissolution would mark the resolution of a dispute that had persisted since members’ initial recruitment in December 2024, closing out a chapter defined by prolonged advocacy, direct engagement with Ministry leadership, and what both sides now appear to regard as a successful collaborative outcome.
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