The Graduate Unemployed Nurses and Midwives Association (GUNMA) is finalising arrangements to stage a major demonstration, citing extreme frustration over the government’s protracted delay in posting its members, some of whom have been out of work for up to five years since graduating.
The association is currently meeting with the Regional Police Command to secure clearance and finalise logistics for the planned protest, which members warn could escalate to the highest levels of government.
The planned demonstration is the latest manifestation of deep-seated discontent among thousands of qualified nurses and midwives who remain jobless despite their importance in the national healthcare system.
The group intends to use the protest to directly air their grievances at key government institutions.
Sandra Frimpong, Women’s President of the Graduate Unemployed Nurses and Midwives Association, confirmed the group’s determination in an interview with Adom News to take their case directly to decision-makers.
“The association is prepared to take their grievances to the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Finance, and the Jubilee House if necessary,” She said on Tuesday, December 9, at the National Theatre, where they had initially planned to hold the protests.
Members of the association voiced disappointment and frustration, with some graduates lamenting that they have been out of work for several years since completing their training.
These graduates have spent substantial personal and national resources on their training, only to face an uncertain future.
The ongoing unemployment crisis among health professionals stands in stark contrast to the country’s high demand for medical personnel.
While exact current figures fluctuate, past data have shown that the nursing sector faces thousands of unposted graduates, despite the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommending a minimum nurse-to-patient ratio that Ghana often struggles to meet, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
The protest highlights systemic issues, primarily the lengthy clearance process that requires final authorisation from the Ministry of Finance for payroll provision, even after the Ministry of Health has signaled the need for staff.
The delay not only contributes to the personal hardship of the graduates but also undermines the public health system, which could utilize their skills immediately to improve patient care outcomes.
The anticipated demonstration follows previous waves of protests, often involving similar actions such as picketing at the Finance Ministry, illustrating the recurrent nature of this employment challenge within the health sector.
The association is expected to announce the exact date and route of the protest pending final discussions with the police.
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