Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Ampem Nyarko has pledged that outstanding salary arrears owed to thousands of nurses and midwives will be addressed in the government’s upcoming budget presentation in November.

His assurance comes after members of the Coalition of Unpaid Nurses and Midwives staged a protest in Accra on Thursday, October 2, 2025, demanding the payment of nine to ten months’ arrears owed to about 7,000 health workers.

Speaking after receiving a petition from the group, Mr. Ampem Nyarko reiterated the government’s commitment to resolving the matter, noting that the arrears formed part of broader legacy challenges inherited by the administration.

“The message I give them is what I’m giving to you: that your issue is being addressed.

In the next month or so, the Finance Minister will present a new budget to Parliament, and issues concerning health workers who have not been paid, including some doctors, are being given serious consideration.

You will receive your salaries,” he assured.

The Deputy Minister also expressed appreciation for the sacrifices of the health professionals while apologising for the prolonged delay in payments.

“We appreciate the work you do for Ghana, and I’m sorry for those of you who are not even well but still walked here to present this petition.

It will receive urgent attention, and you’ll hear from us soon,” he added.

The coalition, led by its convenor Stephen Kwadwo Takyiah, marched from the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park to the Ministry of Finance and later to the Ministry of Health, where they submitted petitions.

Mr. Takyiah described the continued delays as “unfair and unsustainable,” stressing that the situation was demoralising health workers and undermining healthcare delivery nationwide.