Employment of 8,600 health workers in limbo

It has emerged that over 8,600 health workers’ career is in limbo following a decision by Akufo-Addo led New Patriotic Party (NPP) Government to place a ban temporarily to the on-going recruitment process although financial clearance was granted by the previous National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration.

A letter signed by the new Health Minister, Dr Kwaku Agyemang Manu and intercepted by Cape FM reporter Maxwell Attah, caution all heads of related Agencies to suspend all recruitment activities for the 8,634 nurses and other health staff until further notice.

The letter further stated "The suspension is not a cancellation but to allow the ministry of health to finalise all issues related to the financial clearance"

Notwithstanding this, many unemployed nurses have expressed heartfelt concerns over the apparent directive. Some affected nurses who spoke with Maxwell Attah on conditions of anonymity said they intend to organise series of demonstration to register their displeasure should Government fails to employ them within the stipulated time.

These stranded health workers are expected to be employed by Government with effect from March 2017. However, a deep-throat Source at the Health Ministry has revealed that Government might revoke the November 2016 financial clearance because it was not factored into the 2017 first quarter budget.

The above mentioned financial clearance was secured in a letter dated November 11, 2016, undersigned by the former finance minister Emmanuel Seth Terkper following a rise of demonstrations by Unemployed graduates ahead of 2016 general Election in Ghana.

Despite the solid foundation laid off to enhance smooth employment process, the recruitment exercise has come to a halt as the new government intends to revoke the secured financial clearance.

Government has already revoked recruitment made by National Service Secretariats (NSS).