The Union of Trainee Nurses and Midwives, Ghana (UTNMG), has appealed to the government to take urgent steps to address persistent delays in the payment of allowances to trainee nurses, midwives, and rotation nurses nationwide.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, January 14, the union said the delays have resulted in widespread frustration, anxiety, and financial hardship among its members. According to UTNMG, some rotation nurses are owed as many as 15 months of unpaid allowances, a situation it described as unacceptable.
UTNMG commended the government and the Ministry of Health for migrating trainee allowances from the Ez-Wich payment system to a full banking platform, describing the move as a positive step towards greater transparency and efficiency. However, the union noted that challenges including difficulties in bank account creation, data inconsistencies from certain training institutions, and technical issues within some banks have contributed significantly to the payment delays.
The union also raised concerns about proposals to pay allowances strictly based on approved admission quotas, warning that such a policy could unfairly exclude legitimately admitted trainees who are currently serving in health facilities across the country. UTNMG urged the government to adopt a fair and inclusive payment framework that recognises all eligible trainees.
Additionally, the union called for the immediate commencement of regular monthly allowance payments for rotation nurses and the expedited processing of allowances for trainees who completed their service in December 2025.
UTNMG reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with government and other stakeholders, stressing that the welfare of trainee nurses and midwives is a national responsibility and critical to sustaining Ghana’s healthcare system.
