The Junior Doctors Association of Ghana (JDA-GH) has announced a nationwide withdrawal of services in protest against what it describes as months of neglect and unfair treatment of its members.
In a press release dated Thursday, October 2, 2025, the association revealed that more than 200 junior doctors have worked between 10 and 14 months without pay. It further disclosed that several medical officers who were previously on payroll have had their salaries stopped without explanation, while over 800 others have been awaiting posting for the past one year and four months.
“Despite repeated engagements with authorities and good-will shown towards the government, no solutions have been offered,” the association stated.
According to the JDA, the industrial action will roll out in phases. Outpatient services will be withdrawn from Tuesday, October 7 to Thursday, October 9, 2025. From Friday, October 10, 2025, emergency services will also be withdrawn until further notice. However, the group clarified that inpatients will continue to receive care until they are discharged, but no new admissions will be taken.
“The continued exploitation of junior doctors will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said, stressing that responsibility for any disruption in healthcare delivery “lies squarely with the Ministry of Health and the Government of Ghana.”
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The association has called on all stakeholders to act immediately to resolve the situation.
Meanwhile earlier on the same day (October 2), a coalition of unpaid nurses and midwives, representing about 7,000 health professionals, besieged the Ministry of Health in Accra to submit a petition over months of unpaid salaries.
Convenor of the coalition, Stephen Kwadwo Takyiah, described the situation as “unfair and unsustainable,” noting that many had worked in hospitals and clinics nationwide for nine to ten months without pay.
The nurses and midwives demanded three key interventions: immediate allocation of funds to clear arrears, a clear payment timeline, and stronger coordination between the Finance and Health Ministries to avert future delays.
Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Ampem Nyarko, who received the petition, apologised for the hardship endured and assured the group that their concerns would be addressed in the upcoming budget to be presented by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.
Below is a copy of the statement:
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
