Health workers raise alarm over unpaid ‘13th month salary’ and staff shortages

The Health Services Workers’ Union has expressed alarm over unpaid ‘13th-month salary’ payments and staffing shortages in Ghana’s public healthcare facilities. The union argues that the unpaid salary, agreed upon in their collective agreement, has been outstanding since the deal was struck. Dr. Jerry Detse Mensah-Pah, the union’s Principal Industrial Relations Officer, stated that the lack of payment is one of several unresolved labor issues, including personnel placement and insufficient recruitment of non-clinical health workers.

Major hospitals, such as Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, are particularly affected, requiring more personnel to meet operational demands.

The shortage has led to overburdened staff, with some working excessively long hours, leading to health issues. The union also criticized the use of internal funds to hire temporary workers, arguing that such funding does not provide sustainable employment. In the Ashanti Region, the union’s Regional Chairperson, Esther Akuma, emphasized the critical nature of the situation, noting that promises of recruitment have gone unfulfilled for too long.

She highlighted the increasing workload on individual workers, leading to absenteeism and difficulties balancing work and family life. The union called on the government and health-sector employers to address the staffing gaps and re-engage affected workers, asserting that better conditions and adequate staffing would enhance worker morale and improve healthcare delivery.