The Graduate Unemployed Nurses and Midwives Association (GUNMA) has launched a major protest over the government’s prolonged delay in posting its members many of whom have been unemployed for as long as five years after completing their training.
The demonstration, which began on Tuesday, December 9, seeks to draw urgent national attention to what the association describes as an unbearable and worsening situation. Leaders cautioned that if the government fails to act swiftly, the protest could intensify and extend to the highest levels of authority.
The action reflects deep frustration among thousands of qualified nurses and midwives who remain home despite their critical role in Ghana’s healthcare delivery. GUNMA says the ongoing demonstration will allow members to present their grievances directly to key state institutions.
“The association is ready to take our issues to the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Finance, and even the Jubilee House if necessary,” a leader stated.
Several participants recounted emotional stories of hardship, including years of joblessness despite the sacrifices made during training and the state resources invested in their education.
“My mother had to give me money just so I could attend this demonstration. We beg the government to recognise our struggles and employ us,” one member lamented.
The persistent unemployment of trained nurses and midwives stands in sharp contrast to Ghana’s continued shortage of health workers. Although figures vary, past data indicate that thousands remain unposted even as the country struggles to meet the World Health Organisation’s recommended nurse-to-patient ratios, especially in rural and underserved communities.
At the core of the challenge is the protracted clearance process, which requires payroll approval from the Ministry of Finance after the Ministry of Health indicates readiness to recruit. This bureaucratic bottleneck has prolonged the hardships faced by graduates while exacerbating staffing deficits across the health sector.
This week’s protest adds to a series of actions previously undertaken by GUNMA including picketing at the Ministry of Finance highlighting the recurring employment challenges confronting Ghana’s healthcare workforce.
Source: happyghana.com
