Akufo-Addo Government Failed to Budget for Over 13,000 Nurses Recruited in 2024 – Health Minister Akandoh

The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has revealed that the previous Akufo-Addo administration failed to make budgetary allocations for more than 13,000 nurses and midwives who were recruited in 2024.

Speaking on The Point of View on Channel One TV, the minister explained that while the former government granted clearance for the recruitment of about 13,500 health professionals, no corresponding financial provision was made to cover their salaries and allowances.

Key Details

• Recruitment Without Funding:
  According to Akandoh, the clearance and recruitment process was completed in 2024, but the financial allocation to support the new staff was omitted from the national budget.
• Current Situation:
  He disclosed that the current administration has managed to place approximately 7,000 of the affected nurses and midwives on the payroll, while efforts are ongoing to absorb the remaining recruits gradually.
• Budgetary Burden:
  The lack of prior budget allocation, Akandoh said, has created a financial strain on the health sector, as these expenses were not factored into the current fiscal plan.
• Minority’s Position:
  Meanwhile, the Minority in Parliament has refuted Akandoh’s claim, insisting that the Akufo-Addo government had made financial provisions before leaving office. They argue that the challenge lies with delays in extending the necessary clearance under the new administration.

Challenges and Implications

The development has resulted in significant financial pressure on the Ministry of Health, with Akandoh warning that any attempt to fully absorb the remaining recruits without proper authorization could lead to budget overruns.

He stressed that while the government is committed to honoring all employment commitments, it must first secure the necessary approvals from the Ministry of Finance to ensure sustainable payroll management.