Junior Doctors' Salary Woes: Govt Announces Prompt Payroll Migration

Accra ,Ghana – October 13,2025 - Government has made a crucial move to address the standoff with junior doctors over outstanding salaries, revealing plans to place hundreds of them on the government payroll. This decision follows a warning from the Junior Doctors' Association of Ghana (JDA) that its members would stage a countrywide strike to demand payment of salary arrears.

The crisis began when over 200 junior doctors were owed salaries ranging from 10 to 14 months, with some medical officers having their salaries halted without explanation. Additionally, over 800 medical officers were awaiting posting for over a year, exacerbating the country's healthcare challenges. The JDA had announced a phased withdrawal of services starting October 7, 2025, citing the government's neglect and unfair treatment.

Speaking a news briefing ,Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh confirmed the government's prompt intervention to resolve the issue. "We collaborated with the Ministry of Finance, and as I speak to you now, we have succeeded in getting them clearance, and they are being migrated onto the payroll," Mr. Akandoh said.

The JDA had previously suspended its planned strike after productive engagements with the Ministry of Health and key stakeholders. However, the association warned that it would reinstate industrial action without notice if agreed timelines are not honored. The junior doctors have emphasized that their welfare and dignity cannot be compromised.

Source – Lead News Online/Leticia Okpoti