Northern Regional Hospital Casual Workers Embark on Indefinite Strike Over Unpaid Allowances

Casual workers at the Northern Regional Hospital in Tamale have begun an indefinite strike, demanding payment of their outstanding allowances. The strike, which started today, Monday, March 3, 2025, has disrupted critical hospital services, including cleaning and other essential services.

The hospital's Medical Superintendent, Dr. Bashiru Abdul Majeed, confirmed the strike, stating that the situation is severely affecting healthcare delivery. The casual workers had notified hospital management of their intention to strike three weeks prior, but their concerns were not addressed.

The strike is not the only challenge facing the hospital. The Northern Regional Hospital is struggling with a significant debt of GH₵3,360,046.74, resulting from an overpayment by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) in 2018. Despite efforts to recover the funds, the hospital's financial burden continues to impact healthcare delivery, putting the facility at risk of closure.

This situation is not unique to the Northern Regional Hospital. In November 2023, jurors in Ghana also went on strike over unpaid allowances, highlighting the need for prompt payment of allowances to ensure the smooth operation of essential services.